Competing for the first time in the Victorian A Grade Over 50s competition, the Sunbury Macedon Ranges veterans’ team exceeded expectations by being runners-up in the strong competition.
The final between unbeaten Sunbury Macedon Ranges and Ringwood North (third) was a thriller played at Gardiner Reserve, Gisborne, late in February.
The local side had never played Ringwood North or second-placed Geelong previously due to washouts.
In the 40 overs final, Sunbury Macedon was a slight favourite but battled to reach 6/108 at a below-par run rate.
Rohan Lyle scored 37 and some smaller partnerships pushed the tally to 170 all out from 38.3 overs.
North Ringwood rated their bowling as the best they had produced all season.
Sunbury Macedon struck quickly with the new ball, and soon had the opposition struggling at 3/24.
Although up with the run rate, the match was in the balance with six wickets down and 64 runs required.
From 7/165, the visitors got home with nine balls to spare. Worthy winners in a tight match.
OVER 60s CARNIVAL
The annual Over 60s Cricket Carnival, in its 10th year, takes place at Echuca on Sunday, March 19.
Sunbury Macedon Ranges is drawn in first division, and has two Australian Over 60s players – captain Dale Thornton and Peter Dudderidge – in the squad.
They have recently returned from the Over 60s World Cup in Barbados.
Teams from all around Victoria and South Australia will vie for honours over five days, with hundreds of players and supporters booking out area accommodation.
The Ranges Veterans’ feels they can give a good account of themselves.
