In an extraordinary finish, Sunbury Macedon Ranges Over 60s cricketers won the division one final of a prestigious cricket carnival held in Northern Victoria last week.
The final was a tense, rain-interrupted affair match against a strong Geelong side.
Sunbury Macedon Veterans kept their composure under pressure, capturing the opposition’s last three wickets without a run being scored, to win by two runs with two deliveries left.
Morrie Boccabella was the match winner, bowling the last over with Geelong needing five runs to win on the Windridge Oval at Rochester.
He bowled the last two Geelong batters with successive and finised with 4-11 from 4.3 overs, earning the Man of the Match award.
The 12th annual carnival conducted by Veterans Cricket Victoria and Goulburn Murray Cricket Association attracted a large number of teams.
“It’s been fantastic,” Sunbury Macedon Ranges Veterans’ secretary, Bill Morison, said after the match.
Sunbury Macedon Ranges Over 60s went through the home and away season unbeaten, capped with the dramatic win at the carnival.
To begin the week, Ranges won their first group match easily, dismissing ACT for 76 and replying with 3/81; a win and a loss then enabled the side to sneak into the final on percentage.
Geelong sent Ranges in to bat, and captured two wickets in the second over.
Some solid partnerships and good running between the wickets carrid Ranges to 5/95 before rain intervene.
Play was delayed for almost 90 minutes, and the DLS method introduced with each side to face 28 overs.
The Ranges scored valuable quick runs in the last six runs to carry the score to 137, leaving Geelong with a 4.7 run rate to win.
The loss of two main bowlers through injury left Ranges undermanned, but the side adjusted with good fielding and tight bowling.
At 4/105 Geelong was still on target, but a couple of wickets and a smart piece of fielding that produced a run out led to batters looking shaky under added pressure.
The last over arrived, and Boccabella delivered in what was a memorable match.
‘OUR FIELD OF DREAMS’
Captain Peter ‘Archie’ Dudderidge , an Australian rep, was overjoyed with the victory and warmly congratulated both players and supporters.
“Hold your heads up high today, it was our season, our field of dreams.
“We never relied upon one person today. Everyone played a part in this remarkable match.
“Players sacrificed their chances to shine with the bat for the sake of the team as balls ran out in our innings.
“We’ve had so many highlights during the week, with people taking days off work to play, guys driving up here and back to support and play each day.
He declined to individualise, stating that every single person was just eye-watering superb.
“To see the spirit, emotion, tears of joy, smiles on our players and supporters’ faces when we took those last two Geelong wickets was something that will stay with us all for ever.”
The 13 Ranges players in the grand finl, and their scores, were: Mourrie Boccabella 0, Emanuel Tumino 0, Stephen Gray 20 n.o., Peter Dudderidge,14, Alan Shipp 34, Russell Matchett 3, Guy Nelson 1, Craig Wilkinson 22, Dale Thornton 15, Michael Smitheram 19 n.o, Adrian Thomson 1, Brett Beattie and Simong Pinder did not bat. Extras 5. TOTAL 134.
Geelong was dismised for 132 – with wickets taken by Boccabella 4-11, Tumino 2-20 and Thomson 2-30.
VETS GROWING
Veterans’ cricket is looking forward to a bright future in the Macedon Ranges Region.
President of Sunbury Macedon Ranges Veterans, Barry Borlase, said the Over 60s side winning the carnival in northern Victoria last week was just another step forward.
“This club was formed in 2009 and began playing veterans’ cricket with one Over 60s team when the Veterans Cricket Victoria competition consisted of just eight teams,” Borlase said.
“Now the sport has grown on a national level with three age groups — from Over 50s to Over 70s.
“In Victoria there is now more than 60 clubs and over 1800 participants throughout the state.
“Separate national championships are held annually.
“We have two 50s teams, a 60s, and a 70s, and over 80 members, including playing and non-playing.
“The club is pleased with its achievements and extremely proud to have these players represent the Macedon Ranges Region.”
Borlase said the club is always looking for new players and members to join.
“Playing in these carnivals is a great opportunity for us to catch up with so many players we have travelled with and played together as teammates,” Borlase said.
“To get together once again each year and enjoy great camaraderie and a little of the competitive spirit is fantastic, and a whole lot of fun.”
Anyone interested in joining the club should contact secretary Bill on 0458 040 800.
