VOSCA over 70s

During July the VOSCA over 70s cricket team also toured the southern counties of England. They were scheduled to play twelve games - ten county games and two games against combined England teams.

Two players from Ringwood over 60s played in this team - Chris Hartrup and Terry Dunn. Therefore there were four members of Ringwood over 60s playing in England over the summer as Gary Semple and Robin were playing with the VOSCA over 60s team.

Game 1 against Surrey over 70s was played on July 8. It was a 45 over game and Victoria made 3 for 180 while Surrey scored 3 for 194. A victory to Surrey.

Game 2 against Kent over 70s was played on July 10. Victoria made184 in their 45 overs while Kent could only make 176. A victory for Victoria by 8 runs.

Game 3 against Sussex over 70s was played on July 12. Victoria scored 8 for 164 in their innings but Sussex overtook this score with eight overs to go. A win for Sussex.

Game 4 against Hampshire over 70s was played on July 13. Victoria made 222 in their 45 overs while Hampshire made 208 runs. Another victory for Victoria, this time by 14 runs.

Game 5 against Somerset over 70s on July 16. Somerset batted first making 165 runs while Victoria scored 3 for 166. A victory for Victoria by 7 wickets.

Game 6 against Worcestershire over 70s on July 17. Victoria made 3 for 236 in 45 overs while Worcestshire made 8 for 171. A good win for Victoria by 65 runs.

At this stage the VOSCA over 70s team had played six games and won four.

Game 7 was the first of three matches against combined England teams on July 19. It was played at Kidderminster Cricket Club in Worcestershire. Victoria batted first compiling 3 for 166. England passed this total with all wickets intact at 0 for 185. A win for England.

Game 8 was against a Cambridgeshire / Norfolk over 70s team played on July 20. Cambridgeshire / Norfolk batted first making 2 for 185 while Victoria made 6 for 183. A win for Cambridgeshire / Norfolk.

Game 9 was against Hertfordshire over 70s. Victoria made 2 for 213 while Hertfordshire scored 9 for 210. Another win for Victoria.

Game 10 was against Suffolk over 70s played on July 24. The weather was threatening so it was agreed to play a 15 over game. Victoria made 3 for 85 in the 15 overs while Suffolk were 0 for 75. A victory for Victoria.

Game 11 against Essex over 70s on July 26 was a washout.

Game 12 was another match against England at Sunbury Cricket Club on July 29. This was a 50 over game. England was 3 for 267 at the end of the 50 overs while Victoria was 8 for 172. Another win for England.

The VOSCA over 70s team won six of the nine games played against county sides but were defeated in the two matches played against the England combined teams. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience of playing in England on great grounds. At the combined over 60s and over 70s dinner at the end of the tour the good spirit in which the games were played was frequently commented upon.