Tara Murray
Sunbury Macedon Ranges Veterans Cricket Club’s Dale Thornton and Peter Dudderidge continue to make runs and take wickets.
The pair, who represented Australia at the over-60s World Cup earlier this year, have been selected in Australian teams to tour later this year.
Thornton is part of the Australian team which is travelling to the United Kingdom for an Ashes series of matches against England during July and August.
Dudderidge has been named captain of the Australian team heading to Canada to play a series of matches against England and USA in the Canada Cup during August and September.
Since joining the Sunbury Macedon Ranges Veterans Cricket Club both Thornton and Dudderidge agree that playing veterans cricket is more than just a competition to be involved with. it provides a unique blend of camaraderie along with the competitive spirit.
“Playing for the vets gives you a chance to meet new players, we play by slightly modified rules but we retire at 40 runs,” they said.
“Everyone in the team is involved in the game and playing for your state or Australia is something we really strive for”.
Thornton said he was personally proud that he can get out there and enjoy playing the matches and to experience the unique social atmosphere of the club.
Dudderidge added, “never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I could be still playing cricket in my sixties, wearing the baggy green and captaining an Australian cricket team”.
Commencing in Victoria in 2006, veterans cricket has attracted a high level of interest across all states and provides an opportunity for Australia’s ageing population to gather, get involved and celebrate all that is great about the sport.
Both Thornton and and Dudderidge agreed that under the modified rules of veteran’s cricket makes for everyone to be involved in the game.
“We have a lot of fun playing matches and enjoying a very unique social atmosphere afterwards with our wives or partners,” they said. “It’s a whole lot of fun
“When you’re batting it’s mostly a combination of slow singles and fours are hit with skills that remain to us.
“A two is applauded, a three is unusual and running a four is so rare that it’s become a myth.”
The Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Veterans Cricket Club is looking for more new players for their 50’s, 60’s and 70’s teams for the 2023-24 season.
Details: 0458 408 000.
