Season Opener

The Greater Sydney Metropolitan Over 60’s (known as Port Jackson 60’s Cricket Club Inc.) 2016-17 Season has started with a win up against Central Coast Cyclones on a lovely sunny day at Taylor Park this week, next to The Entrance Bowling Club. As most grounds at this time of year are still be prepared, we played on artificial which despite one of our members saying it was dangerous, played very well indeed.

Winning the toss the PJ’s skipper chose to bat first knowing that the heavy dew on the outfield would slow up the scoring and ruin the hosts new ball in a few overs. We had several debutants (5) for this game, all of whom have put up their hands to play in the Tamworth Regional State Carnival in October. The team was resplendent in it’s new clothing, which was remarked upon by the Central Coast Captain, Doug Trigg. Bobby Newman opened thew day’s event welcoming the Port Jackson players and the hospitality and camaraderie was exceptional all day.

Sadly Wasantha, who was asked to open the batting, tore his calf muscle and had to retire early, and after Rupert Matthews edged Greig Buscombe to the keeper, we were effectively 2 down. Ron Nes who was given a life at mid wicket by Doug Trigg, shelling an easy one, went on to power a strong 25 before retiring and then Skipper Lyon (28*) and Peter Harrison (25), both upped the tempo and retired by the 21st over with the score on 1-89.We had reduced the retirement score to enable everyone to get a bat since we were batting 12, with a limit of 6 overs per bowler.

Doug Latto was well caught at point, with Chas Viner (9) also following after a few hefty blows and our run rate fell and by the time Richard Druce (11) and Cam McDonald (14 ret) got together big shots were required. cam then took a crazy single, fell over and surprisingly it was Richard who was run out with cam lying flat on his face in the middle of the astro! With some lusty lower order hitting from Colin Hoving (13*), Charlie Rickard (22 ret) and Paul Thomas (4*) we managed to reach 166 off the 40 overs.

With the dew, and long grass slowing the rate, several 6s were hit (4 in all) to keep our 6 tally on the move in all games, as 4s were almost impossible early on in the day.

We were then treated to a magnificent array of sandwiches and fresh fruit prepared by the Bowling Club between the innings and then both teams lined up for some photos to commemorate the fixture.

Doug Trigg opened for the hosts and was quick to get into the bowling and retire for 26 whilst Colin Hoving took his first wicket for Ports. Ken Vallis retired at drinks for 22 as did his partner Bob Tranter, and the equation looked bleak for Cyclones at 2-56. Ports bowlers had all bowled well to keep the runs down and then Buscombe (29*), Selva (25*) and Bobby Newman (27*) with lusty blows all retired with 11 needed off the last over and Garry Castles and Bobby Douglas could only take Ron Nes for 5 runs, so we narrowly secured the victory. But everyone on both sides had a bat and most had a bowl so it was as superb way to start a season.

Some words followed plus a SHORT presentation, with Doug Trigg refusing the Manly Cap and Selva getting the shorts, and Ron Nes was awarded the Port Jackson Player of the match $20 bottle of wine.