Over 65s dominate in Armidale

8 teams from around the NSW regions travelled to Armidale in the 2nd week of November 2020 (Covid) to play in a friendly Carnival hosted by the Veterans Cricket New England Association. An initiative encouraged by VCNSW and a concept that has proved to have much value in terms of fun and friendship at a time when everyone needed a break from the confines of Covid.

This photo taken at Lambert Park, a lovely oval with picket fence just near the hospital in Armidale on Day 2 in our game against Mid North Coast (MNC) with former Port Jackson member, Chas Viner, in their midst; tying down the Crabbers to 113 off their 40 overs on a warm day our openers Harrison and Solomons made short work of their attack and retired. Captain Lyon also retired with Ian Iverson and Ajoy Roy finishing off the match in style

On Day One we went down by about 30 runs against Newcastle Lord's Taverners at Harris Park on a wicket that tended to jump from time to time; their side was enhanced by the presence of Lismore player Doug Trigg who was trapped in front by Ajoy Roy in a great spell for a run or two short of his retirement score and Wayne Garrard and Ron Axelby were also invited to boost the Newcastle team. With the 30 balls 30 runs rule it was always going to be difficult and our lower order were not able to keep up with the run rate. But it was a great day when everyone was involved and the friendship and weather were mutually complimentary! Peter Harrison top scored and was awarded the Man of the Match wine.

Day 2 was a game at Lambert Park where we beat Mid North Coast easily and as the photo shows, two delighted cricketers brought the game home, Messrs Roy and Iverson carrying their bats to victory.

Day 3 was a "REST" day but some of us turned up at Uralla Golf Course for 10am only to be told to wait until all the locals had arrived but had a lovely 18 holes on a typical Cockies course with small greens. Local member Rowan "Chalky" Chandler took the $40 1st prize with 39 points and David "Blackpool" Clarkson beat Simon Lyon by one point, in a group with Chas Viner and John Southey from Quirindi. A lovely day out in this tiny picturesque town made famous by Fred Ward (captain Thunderbolt) on the New England Highway.

Day 4 was going to be a tough one at the Armidale Sports Ground against Tamworth who have a very strong Vets regime and captained by Chris Crowell in a team which included his dad, Doug at 91 years young. Losing the toss meant we had to field first in warm conditions and our bowlers did really well including a possible hattrick for Mike Fursland who nearly ended up with 4 wickets on a flat pitch but failed to hold the return catch.

Day 5 was our final match against Western Wildfires who had engaged a few extra New England players, Gary Clark and John Bolland. On a hot day at Rologas Oval, we won the toss much to Gil McGrath's dismay and chose to bat on a good surface with a slow outfield. WW were keen to bat first so they could drive home early but we were keen to get everyone in our group a game which is precisely what happened.

Our thanks go our to the New England organisers Graeme Andrews, Chalkie Chandler and their team plus the Armidale City Council for laying on the Ovals, not to forget the generosity of The Royal Hotel in town where we had a lovely last night's dinner. In addition we must thanks Douglas Latto for getting us all together and finding us great accoomastion in the heart of town. A highly successful week of weather fun cricket and friendship. Over 65s is here to stay and Port Jackson most definitely has the troops to enter this type of event in the future.

Simon Lyon

Nov 27th 2020