Batting on: Graham Mulroney and over-60s teammates.
JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
YOU’RE a long time retired no matter the game but a group of Geelong cricketers are defying that long-standing sports maxim.
They formed Geelong Over-60s Cricket Club and are keen to drag fellow former flannelled fools out of their doldrums.
“Lots of blokes played when they were younger and retired for various reasons and have been missing it,” explained club secretary Graham Mulroney.
“This is a really good way to have another go at it.”
Graham said the club, now in its third season, had 25 registered players and was “growing all the time”.
“Don’t worry about the odd creaking bone, we all have those,” he laughed.
“It’s more about the friendships and camaraderie and a chance to get out and be a bit active.
“We play Sundays during the season and rotate players through the side so everyone gets a go every couple of weeks.
“We’re halfway through the season but if any new blokes want to join in we’ll try to get them a game so they can get an idea of what it’s all about.”
Graham said over-60s cricket had been going in Victoria for six years, with 16 teams across the state.
The club played on a “beautiful turf wicket” on Stinton Oval at Queen’s Park Graham said.
“It’s a beautiful setting, the facilities are great, you build up great mateship and, while we’re as competitive as we can be, once the game’s over we enjoy each other’s company in the bar.”
Graham said the club played a one-day, 40-over game format with rules tweaked to encourage participation.
Batters retired at 40 to give the next batsman a go, while eight bowlers were required to roll the arm over for a maximum eight overs.
No ladder was kept so no finals were played, Graham said.
“Not playing for points encourages everyone to have a go. It’s simply good for our health.
“All sorts of qualities of cricket are played, from someone like Robert Agg who has been selected in the over-60s Australian test team to someone who hasn’t played for years.
“We want to encourage all standards to have a go simply because we love playing cricket.”
Graham said the game offered opportunities to travel to places such as England and New Zealand for over-60s games, while touring teams often visited Australia.
Graham said more information was available at geelong over60.vic.cricket.com.au or by emailing him on graham.mulroney@jazi.net.
