Our local ‘Coasties’ are ready to rip in and compete with a wave of enthusiasm at the NSW over 60s state championships to be held in Maitland from October 13-18.
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The Vets cricket program across the country is a burgeoning sporting entity, with state and national events.
As well as international matches being played throughout the summer in the 50s, 60s and 70s age divisions.
Last years state championships saw Mid North Coast make the final against perennial winners, Port Jackson, compete well and develop a hunger for more.
The MNC squads have been playing annual ‘home and away’ games with Quirindi, Tamworth, New England and Coffs Harbour for some time.
Those areas along with Newcastle, Central Coast and Western Wildfires, have developed the game and created much of the interest which has driven the increased participation.
Making such connections is a vital part of the Vets sporting movement, whether it be cricket or the broader spectrum of sporting interests for men and women.
In the case of cricket, the matches are often referred to as ‘the men’s shed in the field’ and it has become a pivotal part of many families summer activities.
Next week will see two sides, the Sharks (Division 1) and the Dolphins (Division 2), cruise down the coast and along the Hunter River to meet old mates, engage the new and contest and enjoy the challenge of surviving ‘four’ days of cricket in Maitland.
In the recent match, MNC contained the strong Quirindi batting lineup to 8 for 174 from their 40 overs. John Corcoran, Ken Ogilvie, Jeff Perkins, Mike Bulmer and Greg Kohler all taking wickets in a fine shared effort, whilst others bowled shorter and tight spells too.
A highlight was the two sensational slips catches taken by Greg Raffin and the ‘motoring’ around the field of Ogilvie and Bruce Jackson, both forgetting their DOBs very well!
The run chase was ahead of schedule with Jackson (36) in sensational ‘thumping’ form, racing to retirement at the mandatory 35 with 8 boundaries.
He was ably supported by a number of the batters with McWilliams (15), Bulmer (25), Skipper Dave Relf (16), Everingham (36) and John Corcoran (25). The Quirindi guys will welcome back a few key players missing from the days event and will be formidable in Maitland.
The Coasties are confident both their squads will be competitive. They know all will be doing their best to represent their area with a strong current of effort and a salty spice of hunger for success.