Port Campbell cricketer Scott Nicolson admits his free-hitting style, which helped him score a double ton at the weekend, doesn’t always pay off.
PORT Campbell batsman Scott Nicholson openly admits his time at the crease is typically hit-and-miss.
He’ll make runs in short time, or lose his wicket just as quickly.
“That’s all I do. I like opening the batting, I usually make not many or get a few quickly,” he said.
“It worked on Saturday. I don’t hang around too long, I go in and have some fun.”
The free-hitting approach paid off in devastating fashion at the weekend as the new Swan smashed 214 not out in a South West Cricket division two match against Woorndoo.
Port Campbell had impressively restricted Woorndoo to 8-96 but lost two quick wickets as its run chase started off poorly.
But the 24-year-old soon eliminated whatever slim chance the visitors had of victory with a memorable batting display.
He reached 100 in the 22nd over with a four through mid-on, and passed 200 in the 38th over with a six over square leg.
The knock featured 13 sixes, 16 fours and about five dropped catches and is the 10th-best score nation-wide.
To top it off, Nicholson batted under adversity after injuring his shoulder while hitting a six.
He also has to manage a stress fracture in an ankle.
“After I got to 100 most of them came over cow corner because I hurt my shoulder,” he said.
Port Campbell finished on 7-284. Matthew Grant was the next top-scorer with 16 and there were 24 sundries.
Nicholson, whose previous best score was 102 made in 2005, said he had “lost interest” in cricket during the past two seasons. He signed with Port Campbell wanting a change of scenery.
“It’s very relaxed down there.
“I’ve been down there three or four weeks and it’s very enjoyable,” he said.
“There are four or five of us from Warrnambool that go down there every week.
“You only have to drive once a month. We have a barbecue at the Port Campbell hostel every Thursday.
“It’s good to make a few runs every now and again, just to have fun. There’s no pressure to play every week either, and that was the main reason (behind changing clubs).
“I enjoy watching the races and if I want to, I can have a week off.”
Nicholson has most likely set a new record for South West Cricket.
But his score still falls short of Paul Cameron’s 274 for Ex-Students against Naringal in a Mount Emu Creek Cricket Association match at Naringal in 1992.
South West Cricket was established after the former Mount Emu Creek, Timboon-Stoneyford and Western Plains associations came together in 1996.