Scotch College

Stylish debut for the Tait Cup Dinner

Janet Murray

Just a few months after its launch, Scotch's newly-formed cricket support group, the McLeod Club, has wasted no time in making its mark on the life of the School. The club was honoured to have the CEO of Cricket Australia, James Sutherland, as special guest at its inaugural and well attended Tait Cup Dinner in February.

Since 1998, Scotch and Geelong Grammar have contested the Tait Cup which celebrates the links between the schools dating back to 1858. The cup commemorates George and John Tait who played for Geelong Grammar in 1858 and Scotch in 1859, having changed schools when their family moved to Melbourne.

Once James 'took block' at the microphone he was able to weave an interesting personal story around his sporting experiences as a student at Geelong Grammar and the fact that he and OSCA Executive Director Tim Shearer are first cousins. As grandchildren of the late Sir James Darling who was for 32 years the famed Headmaster of Geelong Grammar, James and Tim were naturally delighted to have their grandmother Lady Darling and other family members in attendance.

Steve Spargo and David Cowper

James' subsequent cricket career saw him play for Melbourne University and Victoria as he simultaneously built a career in sports administration. In an informative and candid speech he emphasised the value that Cricket Australia places on community as well as elite cricket for the game's continued role in Australian life.

The dinner also provided an opportunity for many Scotch cricket stalwarts to enjoy a night of camaraderie. A very welcome guest was David Cowper, the popular wicket-keeping member of the Cowper family, who was visiting Melbourne from his home in the UK. David had an outstanding career for Richmond and was on a lively table which included Tony Steele, Peter Warner and Don McClean.

Dinner organiser Jane Murray was delighted at the support given to the dinner. 'It augurs well for the future development of Scotch cricket,' she remarked, in welcoming guests. The McLeod Club links parents and staff through the shared love of cricket and has already made a contribution to the sport through the provision of specialist coaching opportunities and equipment for all teams.

Ivan Sutherland, Ben Hosking and Tony Steele	Sandra and David Dick, John Murpy

Bruce Brown