Age no barrier in Veterans Cricket Victoria

It’s a game where everyone gets a hit, batters must retire at 40 and bouncers are a no-no, but concessions to age are few in the Veterans Cricket Victoria competition. Sure, the seniors who pad up every Sunday aren't the young men they once were, but they more than make up for it with enthusiasm and love of the sport. The competition started with four teams playing in Victoria but now there's over 60 active clubs with probably more than 1200 players over 60 - and growing. The competition fields teams graded ‘over 40’, ‘over 50’, ‘over 60’ and ‘70-plus’ - there isn't an over-80s competition at the moment, but given good health, don’t be surprised to see one in about five years’ time. VCV executive committee member Mark McLauchlan said age was not a barrier to enjoying the incredible sport of cricket well into your senior years. “Cricket is great for seniors because it keeps us off the couch, away from the TV and staying active,” he said. “The competition is a mix of players who ceased regular cricket in their 30s and those that have continued the summer ritual throughout their later years, albeit as they slipped down through the grades. “Turning to Veterans Cricket gives a new lease on cricketing life as competitors once again are playing against other fellows in the same age profile.” The regular 40-over-a-side competition starts in October and runs until March, played on Sundays, usually from 11am-5pm. It is general practice that there are barbecues and a chat after the game. A lot of wives/partners come along and watch and participate afterwards, so it's a great social outlet for those who still enjoy their cricket. Participation is key, and the format is designed to suit older players. “Everyone gets a bat and a bowl - we ensure that each team must use seven bowlers, so everyone gets to compete,” McLauchlan said. “The camaraderie and the socialising are an important bonus for all involved. “Boundary cones are set a little closer to the wicket than they used to be in our prime, but there are no other restrictions except our own physical limitations, which means it is rarely seen that batsmen run three. “Run outs are contingent on fielders not fumbling the ball, so tend to be a bit rare, and you can't really rely on fieldsmen to take catches - if they do, the celebrations are lengthy.” Veterans Cricket Victoria also participates in several National Carnivals each season. These competitions allow players who, in earlier times, would never have dreamed of representing the Big V, the chance to live their childhood cricketing fantasy. There are a number of different carnivals each year and recently there has been a move to representative carnivals in age groups split by five years rather than ten, so there are carnivals for over 50s, over 55s, over 60s, over 65s, etc. The best players can go on to compete for Australia; a team recently returned from England after competing for the ‘Grey Ashes’. But for many, the highlight is a week-long end-of-season carnival in Echuca, bringing together teams from all over the state and beyond. “There exists a great future for veteran’s cricket,” McLauchlan said. “The VCV is keen to continue to grow the sport and get more people involved. “Those who might have felt that as their working career is over, there isn’t much to do, now have a second chance at playing cricket. “And those of us already involved, thank our lucky stars each week that we do.” If you're interested in wielding the willow again - or even for the first time – contact VCV secretary Craig Martyn at secretary@vcv.org.au and you will be put in touch with a local club.

Age no barrier in Veterans Cricket Victoria

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