A Great Season of Cricket for the PJ 60s
Season Summary
The season started with much anticipation. After 2 years with truncated seasons (COVID), and wet weather, we were waiting for the ‘norm’ to return.
Our Regional games were generally on Tuesdays, with an occasional away game on Wednesdays. Tuesday seem to be the favourite day for raining, with four matches cancelled for bad weather and one when the opposition could not get a team to travel.
Results for the season (includes the Western Tour) were:
Team | Played | Won | Lost | Cancelled |
Over 60s | 12 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
Over 65s | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 |
Tours
There were 3 tours planned but only 1 took place. The Western tour to Lithgow and Orange was a great success, with 2 good games. It is looking like a permanent fixture.
The Southern Tour was cancelled as we could only get one match, against ACT. We had a 2nd match planned against a Sri Lankan team but obtaining a ground was too difficult. Midweek ground hire in Canberra is a major problem.
The Northern Tour was initially set to dovetail with the CFC (which should have been in NSW). A change to Toowoomba in QLD meant that players were not prepared to support two events so close together that required significant travelling. There needs to be smarter planning for next year.
The Thomas Latto Trophy
The Trophy was put up by Paul Thomas and Douglas Latto. It was to be played annually over three games between Georges River and Port Jackson at Bland. Paul and Douglas were the founders of the Vintage League.
The trophy was shared with one win each. The other match was washed out.
An interesting feature was the use of ‘Sets’ (5 ball overs) and bowling 10 balls in succession from each end. This sped up the game and voted a great success from all those who participated.
Home Ground
By mid-season there was some concern at the quality of the pitches prepared at Kensington, and the state of the changing rooms.
It was discovered that the square was being relayed and this was completed during the Christmas break. Cleaners were brought in to tidy the changing rooms. Things improved in the second part of the season.
Carnivals
In the previous two seasons Carnivals became the ‘go’. This season there were no Carnivals. This may be due to additional State Championships at ages 55 and 65, other State Championships not being postponed, and Regions not having the appetite for more organising.
Team Strength
This season less of our ‘stronger’ players made themselves available for midweek friendlies, in particular the Over 60s. This probably contributed to a lower win/loss ratio compared to previous seasons.
State Championships
In the Over 60s at Penrith Port Jackson Red did us proud in claiming the division 1 – Peter Richardson Trophy. They won all 3 divisional games, plus the final versus Southern Highlands.
Port Jackson White found division 1 heavy going. Port Jackson Blue won one game out of three in division 2.
In the Over 65s State Tournament at Ballina Port Jackson Red won both their games to qualify for the final. They came up against a strong Lismore side that deservedly took out the trophy.
Port Jackson White play a series of 25 over games against 2 other teams. They won one but lost three, two of them narrowly.
Looking Forward
This season we played two new teams in CBC and Central West. Next season we need to continue to expand our horizons and think about how to play teams beyond our neighbouring regions.
Some thoughts:
Fulfilling our mini-tours, by ensuring a Southern Tour can happen (Canberra ground bookings), and choosing better dates for the Northern Tour (New England, Tamworth and Quirindi)
Can Port Jackson host a mini-carnival midweek in Sydney with at least two games for each team. Teams further away could be invited.
Introducing the ‘Set’ concept for some games to create greater interest
A short overseas tour
Without Whom…
Ragavan did a great job in his first year as Over 60s Fixture Secretary, paying attention to all detail.
David Massey did a sterling job yet again in his second year as Over 65 Fixture Secretary.
Unfortunately, David has to stand down at the end of the season. However, we are lucky to welcome Paul Georgiadis, who has agreed to take over the reins.
Thank you to everyone for your support throughout the season in the ever-expanding area of Veterans Cricket.
Douglas Latto
Vice Chairman Over 60s
Port Jackson Veterans Cricket Club
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