Great Scot April 2019 Great Scot_156_April_2019_Online | Page 84

OSCA Cricket Club ABOVE: OSCC TEAM OF THE YEAR MEMBERS (LEFT TO RIGHT) GARY BENNETT (’88), MARK GRIFFITHS (’80), WILL MEGGITT (’12), SAM SHEARER (’10) AND MATT MITCHELL (’12). BELOW: 1ST XI PLAYERS CELEBRATE A WICKET. RIGHT: THE 1ST XI PICTURED ON THE MAIN OVAL AT SCOTCH. PLENTY OF HIGHLIGHTS FOR CRICKET CLUB IN 2018/19 SEASON The 2018/19 season was another one full of success and progress for the Old Scotch Cricket Club. While both teams fell short in their finals campaigns, there were plenty of highlights and reasons to be excited for the future. The 1st XI finished on top of the ladder at the end of the home and away season for the third year running, with 11 wins and just the one loss. It was a season of change, with Sam Shearer (‘10) taking over the Captain-Coach role for the first time, and many young faces joining the core group of players. There were many key fine contributors across the season, highlighted by division one Team of the Year honours for Matt Mitchell (‘12), Sam Shearer (Captain) and the evergreen Gary Bennett (‘88), as selected by the MCC Club XI hierarchy. Sam also received the division one best bowler, best batsman and most valuable player awards. Will Meggitt (‘12) and seasoned veteran Mark Griffiths (‘80) were chosen in the division two Team of the Year. After an exhilarating semi-final win from the clouds against rivals Old Xavier, the season 84 Great Scot Number 156 – April 2019 didn’t quite have the ending we were seeking. Unfortunately, in the grand final we met an extremely strong Old Melburnians side, and we came up short on the day. Full credit to the Old Melburnians, who timed their run to perfection and were too strong when it counted. Another grand final loss was certainly hard to stomach, but there are many reasons to be proud of the 2018/19 season, and to be optimistic for what is ahead. The 2nd XI, under the brilliant leadership of John Stavris (‘12), had by far their most solid and consistent season in a number of years. An influx of young talent and players being available regularly meant the boys could build on the promise shown in previous years, and put together a consistent and very competitive season. Finishing the home and away season in second place is testament to the progress made and the potential of this group. Mark Griffiths was a dominant force in the seconds competition yet again, as was hugely improved new ball bowler, Will Meggitt. Like the 1st XI, the seconds’ season didn’t get the successful end we wanted, and the team fell short in their semi-final. But it was a season to be celebrated, with considerable progress made and plenty of potential shown. To have two sides finishing in the top two at the end of the home and away season and playing finals, with a young and exciting group shows the strength of the cricket club. I have no doubt we will be back, bigger and better, in season 2019/20, with both teams looking to go that extra step. A big thank you goes to club President Tim Hosking (‘99) and Vice President John Stavris, as well as to the rest of the committee, who have the club running seamlessly. It made my first year in the role easy and very enjoyable. As always, we are on the lookout for potential new players, so if you’re interested in joining us, please don’t hesitate to be in touch through Facebook or via [email protected]. SAM SHEARER (‘10) — OLD SCOTCH CRICKET CLUB CAPTAIN-COACH