Search on for Golden Oldies cricketers
The Hamilton Planks Golden Oldies cricket club is looking for new players to contest the 2017/18 season.
Planks stands for ‘‘Players Long Ago Now Knackered’’ but don’t let the title deter you from joining the club’s ranks.
Golden Oldies cricket is for players 40 and over and has its own set of rules and requirements.
It is Sunday 40-overs a side cricket, with batsmen retiring after scoring 30 runs. If the team is all out with overs remaining, the retired batsmen may return.
There is a limit of the number of overs per bowler, with the onus on bowling everyone who wished to do so.
‘‘All of our players have played cricket to a reasonable level in their younger days,’’ Planks club captain, Laurie Bradly said.
‘‘Whether that be in their college 1st XI, senior club cricket, or in some cases, provincial representative cricket.
‘‘Many players have had a lengthy break from the game, but were keen to be involved again, albeit at a less intensive level.’’
This season the Planks have 12 Sunday fixtures, with roughly half in Hamilton.
The home fixtures are played at St Paul’s Collegiate, generally on the main grass wicket and with the use of their excellent after match facilities.
‘‘Players do not have to commit to every game,’’ says Planks committee chair, Blair Finlayson.
‘‘Flexibility is important, which is why we need a reasonably large players roster.
‘‘Some guys will play two or three games a season, others the majority.
‘‘It is a decent standard of cricket, with everyone participating, then adjourning to the host rooms for refreshment, food and camaraderie.’’
Other teams on the fixtures list include Morrinsville, Te Awamutu, Te Kuiti, Cambridge, Taupo, Karaka, Waiuku, Tauranga, Rotorua and Tokoroa.
So if you are keen to rekindle your cricket career, and make some new friends, dust off your whites, then get in touch with the club.