Representing your country is not something everyone gets to do, it’s even less common when you reach the age of 60. For a group of passionate cricketers, their dream of representing New Zealand was achieved last month.
The Australian State Championships was the tournament which where the group got their chance to represent their country. The New Zealand Over 60’s team was made up of 15 men from all around the country.
Four games in Perth were all the team would have to prove themselves as international cricketers, with all four games against Australian opposition.
The first two games were brilliant for the Kiwi’s. First up were South Australia, where the New Zealand side were set 185 to win. Some steady batting from John Davidson and Gary Rudolph guided the team home in the 36th over. Game two opponents were Geelong.
This time the New Zealander’s set a total for the locals, bringing up 215 off their 40 overs. John Renshaw and Murray Riley were the standouts with the bat, while Channa Jayasinha was the pick of the Kiwi bowlers. Geelong eventually fell 72 runs short.
Two wins meant the Kiwi side qualified for the semi-finals, where New South Wales would be their challengers. New South Wales set a formidable 214-7 off their 40 overs. John Davidson and Rod Smith both retired in their 40s but it wasn’t enough in the end. The New Zealand side ending 38 runs short of qualifying for the final.
Losing in the semis meant a third and fourth playoff game would finish the tour. Their opponents would be the Australian Cricket Society (ASC). Sadly, rain would ultimately be the defining factor in the match. The ACS scored a formidable 238-2.
In reply the Kiwi side was 123-5 when the rain interrupted the match. Rain continued to fall, ultimately ending the match and ending the hopes for the Kiwi side to pick up the bronze medal.
Even though the results may not have gone their way, the team thoroughly enjoyed their tour. Next year though expect different things from the New Zealand side who will be targeting glory in Canberra.
