Two players from the Sunbury Macedon Veterans Cricket Club have been selected to represent Australian Over 60s teams on tour in the United Kingdom and Canada.
Dale Thornton will travel to the UK for an Ashes series of matches against England during July and August; Peter Dudderidge is captain of the Aussie team heading for Canada to play in a series of matches against England and the USA in the Canada Cup during August and September.
Both have represented Australia previously, playing for Australia in the Over 60s World Cup in Barbados in the West Indies earlier this year.
To have two players from the Sunbury Macedon club and Macedon Ranges region is quite unique.
“We’re very proud of their achievements,” club secretary Bill Morison told the Express.
Thornton and Dudderidge agree that playing Veterans’ cricket is more than just a competition to be involved in; it provides a unique blend of camaraderie along with the competitive spirit.
They agree playing vets gives you a chance to meet new players; the slightly modified rules mean batsmen retire at 40 runs, withy everyone involved in the game really striving to play for the state or country.
“I’m personally proud – the fact I can get out there and enjoy playing, and experiencing the unique social atmosphere of the club is amazing,” Thornton said.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I could still be playing cricket in my sixties, wearing the baggy green and captaining an Australian cricket team,” Dudderidge commented.
Benefits for the participants are huge, and since beginning in Victoria in 2006 this level of cricket has spread across all states.
For those in their senior years, it encourages activity, promoting improved levels of physical fitness, social and mental wellbeing, and general health.
Summing up, they agreed that under the modified rules everyone becomes involved.
“We have a lot of fun playing matches and enjoying a very unique social atmosphere afterwards with our wives or partners. It’s a whole lot of fun.
“When you are batting it’s most a combination of slow singles and fours are hit with skills that remain with us.
“A two is applauded, a three is unusual, and running a four is so rare that it’s become a myth,” they said.
There are three age groups in Australia – form Over 50s to Over 70s, and holds separate national championships annually.
NEW PLAYERS NEEDED
Macedon Ranges Veterans Cricket is looking for more players for their 50s, 60s and 70s teams for the 2023/24 season.
IF you are at all interested in joining the club or simply requiring more information about Vets Cricket, contact secretary Bill Morison on 0458 408 000.
