Benalla Bushrangers’ veteran cricketers completed a highly successful National Championships in Geelong last week.
The championships involved teams from all states and territories and New Zealand across four divisions of male over 60s and two divisions of female over 40s players.
In men’s Division 1, Victoria went through the tournament undefeated, winning against New Zealand, Queensland and NSW in the round robin and beating South Australia in the final at Kardinia Park.
Bushranger Greg Hoysted opened the batting for the last three games after missing the first because of food poisoning. He made unbeaten 50s against Queensland and NSW and was run out for 24 in the final.
Hoysted said playing in the carnival was a fantastic experience and he was delighted to have been named player of the match against Queensland.
He was even more thrilled to meet his childhood cricketing hero, former Australian opening batsman Ian Redpath, who tossed the coin for the final.
In men’s Division 2, Victoria showed its strength when the final was contested between Victoria Blue and Victoria White.
Benalla’s Trevor Saker bowled brilliantly to be player of the match in the final as his team won the championship.
The first ever women’s tournament saw Victoria and NSW tie in the final, so joint champions were declared.
The closing ceremony in the function room at Kardinia Park saw more than 700 people in attendance and was a great celebration of veteran’s cricket (as well as being a big thrill for all Geelong Cats supporters).
Following the championships, the Australian Veteran’s team to play in the Carib Cup in Barbados was announced and Greg Hoysted was selected for the tournament, which will be played next year.