As in the past 2 years, Old Scotch will enter two teams into the competition, the 1st XI reigning premiers once again led by the tenacious Rob Ashton, whilst the 2^nd XI will still be striving for a finals berth under the wise and determined James ‘Plugger’ Simon.  A new ICC approved playing kit has been greenlit for season 09/10, with the aim to give Old Scotch that extra edge over its rivals aesthetically, mentally and most importantly physically. Furthermore, with the resurfacing of the Meares Oval this summer, no less than 6 games are scheduled to be played in the serene surrounds of the Scotch College Main Oval, including the eagerly anticipated OLD SCOTCH DERBY! on Saturday 12^th December. Major Sponsors Pulse Pharmacy, OSCA and the Bridge Hotel are back on board and committed to continue building the strength of the OSCC for season 09/10.

With the season opener only 2 weeks away on the 17^th October, the inaugural Old Scotch Cricket Club v Old Scotch Football Club 20/20 Spectacular took place last week as a loosener for many of the boys . With the aid of some questionable umpiring, the Football club proved too strong for the cricketers, unearthing some potential talent that had the Old Scotch recruiting staff in a spin.

Furthermore, with several of the club’s seasoned players plying their trade in international waters this summer, the club has embarked on a fierce recruiting campaign and signed several youngsters who look set to take the competition by storm. First off the rank is Richie ‘who can, McCann can’, the plucky all-rounder with a viper quick wit and affable nature. He is sure to keep the opposition on their toes with his deft batting skills and is an early smokie for club champion. His partner in crime from Brisbane is Damien Stewart. Already showing in the nets that he has a watchful eye, Damo not only bats with a sublime touch, but is a candidate to fill the keeping position that has been on a rotation basis for the past 2 years. After the Ashes catastrophe earlier this year, Old Scotch has decided to enlist the help of ex-pat Pom Matt Dickinson. Dicko blends the sturdy failproof batting technique of Tom Whitelaw with the one-two side shuffle bowling action of Ben Doherty, creating a formidable force that is sure to help Old Scotch power towards the finals. Another man who has jumped on board after a 10 year exodus of the game is Will ‘MC’ Morton. A pillar of a man, MC is raring to go and fill the bowling workhorse hole that only a select and worthy few have been willing to fill over the past couple of years.

However, don’t be fooled, it is not a case of ‘out with the old, in with the new’, and you can expect to see many a familiar face pulling on the whites for Old Scotch this year. Names such as Orr, Griffiths, Thomas, Bennett, Simon, Ashton, Butler, Spargo, Haines, Lake, Crozier Durham and Wood will all be back and raring to go. Behind the scenes Rick ‘Cowboy’ Western has his secret cordial formula still tightly under lock and key holding out for Round 1, and there is no doubt Old Scotch legends Bill McNaughton and Manson Russell will drop in to support the boys when the season gets underway. So with that all that in mind, I look forward to having you join us on a warm summer’s day during the season, where some good cricket and good times can be had by all.