Outside of the Over-50s Cricket World Cup - 2020, this is probably the most significant over-50s tournament in the world. Other countries (such as England and Pakistan) have season-long leagues, but in terms of a stand-alone tournament, Australia's competition all comes down to this one week.
The Australian Over 50s Cricket squad for the Over-50s Cricket World Cup in March will be selected following the tournament, so there is plenty to play for. Each state sends several sides (New South Wales is sending no fewer than seven teams, for example), in several divisions, and there are 24 teams in total.
The tournament involves three consecutive days of cricket, followed by a rest day, and then the final will be played at the famous WACA ground.
The Division 1 squads are full of experienced players from all levels of the game, city, country and coastal backgrounds. Many have played high level representative cricket with some still playing high grades even now. But, like all involved in Vets, most are just absolute tragics of the game and trying to maintain a physical, fun and social addition to latter years. In competitive events like this, with a bit of the old brouhaha thrown in.
States with less numbers are nonetheless keen to throw the willow and rip in and will always be eager to compete. The lower division matches will have many seasoned players of the same ilk as Division 1 and they too will be enjoying the thrill of representing their state.
In the top division, Queensland (Queensland Veterans Cricket) are the defending champions and will again be led by inspirational captain Paul Stenhouse. Stenhouse led Australia in its pioneering over-50s internationals back in 2017 and his Queensland side are arguably even stronger than they were last year. Australian openers Gavin Brown and Trent Ryan will be the most recognisable players for international followers, while former Sheffield Shield bowler Bob McGhee will be aiming for an Australian recall.
Queensland Training Camp
New South Wales (Veterans Cricket NSW) have two sides in Division 1 and have several new players who will be vying for higher honours. Although they provided the bulk of the 2018 World Cup squad, NSW have never actually won the national championships, so they will be looking to justify their perennial favouritism. World Cup stars like Tony Clark, Darren Smith and Todd O'Keefe will be on show again, as will the experienced Warwick Hayes, while newcomers like Mark Austin and Phil Melville bring big reputations into the tournament.
Another strong side will be Veterans Cricket Victoria, which are reportedly a fit and agile group. Fast bowler Bill Blair and all-rounders Craig Gislingham and Darren Hill are the notable Victorians from the Sydney World Cup. Gislingham averages 55.13 with the bat from 9 over-50s internationals (O50Is) and Blair has taken 10 O50I wickets. A new player to watch will be former Victorian 2nd XI batsman Lachlan Stonehouse.
The hosts Western Australia may well be co-favourites, given their home advantage. Australian rep Joe Santostefano averaged 45.80 with the bat at the 2018 World Cup and played some crucial innings, while slow bowler Steve Gollan has taken 15 wickets in O50Is at an impressive average of 13.33. Keeper-batsman Bradley Mant will be another to look out for.
Veterans Cricket ACT (Australian Capital Territory) will be led by the world’s #1 over-50s batsman, Peter Solway, who dominated bowling attacks at the 2018 World Cup and led Australia to victory. He averages 91.80 in international over-50s cricket. Although the rest of the side are not as well-known, ACT could be a good outside bet if Solway fires.
South Australia will be sending their strongest ever side. Bowling spearhead and World Cup-winner Tim Sargent could inspire an upset or two, and former Australian national player Peter Judd offers extra experience. Two newcomers to keep an eye on are batsman James Orchard and powerful all-rounder John Rankin.
Veterans Cricket Tasmania are only in their second national champs and will have learned a lot from last year.
Overall, most of the teams in Division 1 should be evenly matched and it will be very interesting to see who emerges from the pack.
An interesting first up clash will be the two Division 1 NSW teams. Some competitive juices should resurface there.
Best wishes to all teams.
Report by Jim Morrison and published with permission
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