NSW Veterans Cricket Covid Trophy
The NSW Veterans Cricket Covid Trophy was completed yesterday in Orange. With players from around the state in 10 regional teams, or combinations of those who could attend, the event was organised to replace last years Covid cancelled State Championship.
Veterans’ President, Simon Lyon, & local Western Wildfires guys guided by Gil McGrath, put in a mammoth effort to get the event to function. Orange City Council staff, with the support & drive of Mayor Reg Kidd, pulled out all stops and with the help of local cricket people & services, provided the many behind the scenes bits that are essential to any event.
The superb facilities of Orange provided players with a fun filled 3 days of competition, with catch-ups between old mates complemented by the meeting of new ones.
As is the want of most, the cricket was played with good spirit, fun & camaraderie & a range of results from some great matches produced by aged but willing competitors.
The Division 1 final saw a cracking match, as with a number of earlier ones, between Port Jackson White & ACT/Monaro. The ACT guys prevailed & took home the special, Covid replica cabinet adornment, designed by Lyon.
The Div 2 winners were Newcastle Taverners who overcame a strong effort by home area club, Western Wildfires.
Well done to all involved in getting sides to play in the event with Lyon, McGrath, & Wildfires John Haddin & Barry Fitzgerald doing a much appreciated job.
Many of those attending will now rehabilitate & gear up to represent NSW vs QLD in the Cooper Findlay Cup 50s/60s/70s matches, to be held in Tamworth, Quirindi & Gunnedah at the end of March.
As vets cricket continues to provide a wonderful opportunity for tragics of all backgrounds, experiences & abilities, it’s a certainty that more players will join the throng that is the #mensshedinthefield that sees #oldmatesnewmates continue to say #wouldntbedeadforquids.
It’s expected that many will spread the word & help get more to have a crack at finding their inner Peter Pan.