Blake’s brilliant batting

Year 12 student Blake Thomson has created history for the College’s 1st XI cricket side, by smashing what is believed to be a Ballarat Associated Schools Sports record innings of 159 from just 115 balls in a game against Ballarat Grammar.

Blake partnered with Year 11 student Jonah Healey (105 from 121 balls) for an incredible opening stand of 264 in the two-day game in February.

The classic innings was Blake’s second century in as many games after he had also belted 129 against Ballarat Clarendon College a fortnight earlier -“ which was the first century by an SPC batsman in six years.

Unfortunately Blake’s heroics couldn’t be replicated in the final of the BAS two-day competition where SPC was defeated by Ballarat High School by six wickets. Earlier in the season, SPC had claimed the BAS Twenty20 title with a win over Clarendon.

Blake’s efforts not surprisingly saw him win multiple honours at the annual cricket presentation night which was held in the OCA Pavilion on Monday, March 23.-

He claimed the 1st XI batting aggregate and average awards after scoring 459 runs for the season at an average of 85.40. Blake also won the 1st XI bowling average award after claiming 12 wickets for the season at an amazing average of 4.83. Not surprisingly the Year 12 student also won the best all-rounder award. Capping off a great summer, Blake was also named in the Victorian Under 17 team and looks to have a terrific future in the game.

Year 11 student Nick Martin won the 1st XI bowling aggregate award after snaring 13 wickets for the season.

The other highlight of the 2014-15 cricket season was the rejuvenation of the Leo O’Brien OCA Invitational Match where Old Collegians were invited back to take on the 1st XI in a friendly encounter.

The match was played on Wednesday, February 25 and featured current Victorian representative Matt Short and Victorian Premier League first player Blayde Baker. After an entertaining and high-scoring tussle, it was the Old Collegians who triumphed on the day despite a late rally by the current students. It is hoped the success of the day will ensure an annual Old Collegians v 1st XI match will become a regular feature -“ possibly scheduled to coincide with St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

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