IT WAS playing Pakistan on Stawell's Central Park that Robert Scott names as one of the biggest highlights of his 40-year cricket career.
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Scott was selected in the Australian Country side in 1985 and played against teams such as India and Pakistan.
“I made 52 against the team in front of my home crowd. That moment was a special memory which will stay with me forever,” he said.
More than 5000 people attended the match at Central Park.
“I don’t talk about my bowling in the match, but it sure entertained the crowd,” he said.
Scott was 13 when he started playing for Youth Club.
Some of his greatest memories are premierships, representing Grampians Cricket Association a number of times and being a member of the Victorian Country team.
Scott played all his domestic cricket at Youth Club, bar for one season.
“I was transferred with my job at the bank in my early 20s for one season,” he said.
“I had the option of going to Melbourne or Mildura and I picked Mildura because being a country boy thought I could handle it a bit better.”
In 1981 Scott suffered a knee injury, ending his football career.
“I was told I wouldn’t be able to play football again. That’s what has allowed me to play cricket for so long and be part of a sporting club,” he said.
Talking through the mental toughness on the cricket field, Scott said it was a challenge at times.
“You have to block out the heat and sometimes you have to wear a cricket ball hitting your body. It’s all about being mentally tough,” he said.
Not only does Scott still pull on the whites for Youth Club; he is also affiliated with the Hamilton over 60s team.
“We play in different places throughout Victoria. We have a list of players and who is available gets to step onto the field. It’s very social and enjoyable,” he said.
“We play against blokes who have played a lot of cricket over their time. You come across ex-state players and district players and even old VFL players.”
Hesitation is in the back of Scott’s mind when he thinks about his future in cricket.
“I never say never, but I am thinking this could be the last season I commit to Youth Club. I would be happy to step back and only play when needed,” he said.
Scott’s attention now turns to his family – wife Lynne and daughter Bella.
"They’ve both been good sports over my cricket career and I have missed some things due to the commitment,” Scott said.
“We once were on a holiday in Adelaide and I went a cricket ground where there was some training going on and came home and gave my wife the bad news – I was selected in the team and she needed to organise a plate of afternoon tea for me to take with me.”
Scott also lists the people he has met through cricket as a highlight.
“It’s been a great way to meet and play along with some terrific people over all those years and it’s now great to catch up with them when you see them around,” he said.
“I am sports mad and love the sport. It’s important for people and kids to find a sport or activity they love and really get the most out of it.”
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