WARRIORS TO RESUME THE BATTLE
A CRICKET rivalry spanning more than 35 years will be rekindled tomorrow as the Gold Coast’s best “golden oldies” do battle with an international foe at Robina.
Gold Coasters Pat Carty, John Salter, Dave Russell, John Rose and Dave Treacher are part of the Queensland Veterans Cricket City Over-60s that will take on a UK over-60s outfit at Bill Pippen Oval, before the tourists head to Redlands on Sunday to face the Australian side.
Tomorrow’s 45-over fixture will hold particular significance for former Coomera Hope Island first grader Carty, whose four-year association with veterans cricket included an appearance for Queensland at last month’s national over-60s titles in Adelaide.
Also an umpire on the Coast, the 60-year-old medium pacer played against some of the UK touring squad during his time with Crompton in the Central Lancashire Cricket League in 1983.
“That’s the brilliant thing about veterans cricket, you’re catching up with people you played against 30, 40, 50 years ago,” Carty, from Southport, said.
“We also had an Australian tour to England in June where we went over and played against this English side that are out here now. There’s tours all the time.
“It’ll be quite serious on the field (tomorrow) but a lot of the guys will know each other. Dave Russell has been on a few tours so he’d know most of the English guys. It’s good fun.”
A top-order batsman and off-spinner, Salter, 64, is in his fourth season of veterans cricket after a long and successful first-grade career with Queensland Premier Cricket club Redlands.
The Palm Beach resident is also on the Queensland Cricket board and said QVC, which fields over-50s, 60s and 70s teams, also played an important off-field role.
“Queensland Cricket is very focused on mental health these days. We have had remarkable growth in veterans cricket (in recent years) so if there’s anyone that’s feeling a bit lonely or wants a pastime, it’s very much a men’s shed-type environment,” the Redlands life member said.
“These guys from England are very good cricketers, very competitive and take their cricket very seriously.
“This level is for veterans cricketers who have played a fair bit of cricket in the past at a decent level … but veterans cricket caters for everyone.”
Tomorrow’s match will start at 10am.
For more on veterans cricket, visit qvcricket.com.