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Running off the increasing popularity of veteran’s cricket in Australia, Gunnedah players are hoping to establish a new team of its own to play in a regular district competition.
That’s the plan of local veteran’s player Rick Sampson who is driving new membership into Gunnedah’s more mature, cricket playing ranks.
Gunnedah already contests two annual, mid-week fixtures against a Central Coast and Tamworth side but many players are unavailable to play due to work commitments.
Sampson’s plan is to recruit a few more in Gunnedah to play a handful of games in the weekend competition as well.
The wicket-keeper batsman currently plays with Quirindi and has roped in bowler and local veterinarian, David Amos, for a run against Mid North Coast this weekend.
“A lot of ex-representative, state and club players don’t want to play against kids."
- Rick Sampson on the rise in popularity of veteran's cricket
Also showing interest in the future Sunday squad is veteran batsman Kevin Miller, handy all-rounder Rob Frend, NVI manager Peter Koch and fellow wicket keeper, Ian Percy.
“It’s mainly for the guys who work through the week and can’t get the time off,” Sampson said.
The team was open to all interested as long they’re aged over 55 but they are also seeking older players as well.
The veteran’s format is growing in strength every year and has seen a 20 per cent rise in over 60s and 70s cricket participation last year, according to Sampson.
Like lower club grades, rules are relaxed, overs shortened and retirements are, well... semi-compulsory.
“We call it ‘competitive social’ cricket,” Sampson said.
He put the rapid growth in the veteran’s format down to players seeking out a more mature-styled competition.
“A lot of ex-representative, state and club players don’t want to play against kids,” he said
“They want to play against others they’re own age.”
Veteran cricket offers former club players the opportunity to have a hit but in familiar company and without having to sign up to a third or fourth grade junior competition.
But if the cricket bug does start to bite again, opportunities for further representation are available.
Sampson recently returned from the Australian Veteran’s Cricket Championships held in Melbourne.
Thirty-four teams in five divisions contested the carnival with Sampson’s NSW Over 60 Division 3 side, the Boomers, claiming top honours.
In October, the North West hosted the NSW State Veteran’s Championships with two teams from home town Armidale competing, as well as two from Tamworth and one each from Quirindi, Mid North Coast, Central Coast and newly formed team Western Wildfires (Bathurst/Mudgee).
For more information on Gunnedah’s veteran’s team or to be involved contact Ian Percy on (02) 6742 0147 or Rick Sampson on (02)6743 7275.