Veteran cricketers in for a long innings

Rex Bennett, Billy Wigmore, David Cordy and Eane Whitton. Pictures: Damjan Janevski

Golden oldies wearing baggy greens are spreading the word about cricket for seniors.

Sunbury-Macedon Ranges over-60 cricketers Rex Bennett and David Cordy recently toured the United Kingdom, representing Australia in a series against England.

Teammates Bill Wigmore and Eane Whitton were part of two Victorian tour sides for players older than 60 and 70.

Bennett, who captains the local club, said over-60s cricket was growing with baby boomers wanting to stay active and social at an age when their fathers had well and truly put away their whites.

The Sunbury-based club, now in its seventh year, has about 20 players from around Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges.

With teams in places such as Geelong, Albury, Ballarat and Benalla, players are preparing for a busy season.

The competition, described by Bennett as ‘‘A-grade slowed down’’, caters for a mix of ages and abilities. Some players are well into their 70s and a few have reached 80 not out.

A few barely played in their younger days but are relishing a second chance.

‘‘They’re effectively learning the game in their 60s and 70s, which I reckon is fantastic,’’ Bennett says.

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