A council grant will help Sunbury Macedon Ranges Veterans Cricket Club create a new over 70s team, connecting older people in the region through sport.
The club scored a small project grant of $1500 from Macedon Ranges council to purchase team apparel as they look to expand, to allow their older members to keep competing.
President Barry Borlase said the veterans club improves the mental and physical health of the players, providing a social outlet for their partners too.
“Originally we had an over 60s team and then obviously, as the guys got older, we needed a vehicle for them to be able to play,” Mr Borlase said.
Players hail from all over – from down in Sunbury and Diggers Rest, up to Macedon, Romsey, Gisborne Lancefield and Woodend – and they play teams from across the state.
“It is a nice thing. The council put out these community grants to encourage participation by older residents, and you could say veterans cricket in Australia is one of the fastest growing sports,” Mr Borlase said.
He said the club was always welcoming of new members, and fostered a strong community spirit.
“Our club has a long history of embracing new players, bearing in mind when we started 11 years ago we only had nine players.
“It has grown to 75 players over that time, across three divisions, over 50s, over 60s and over 70s.
“On [game day], we play our games, starting at 11am and finishing at about 3pm, and then we have a barbecue, which is attended by the opposition team, their supporters, our members and our supporters.
“It’s a bringing together of people.”
Elsie Lange
