Adelaide - Victoria v South Australia 2019 (part 1)

The annual Veterans Cricket matches Victoria v. South Australia were this year held in Adelaide so on 11 February we travelled to Adelaide arriving in the early afternoon. For many years there have been matches featuring Over 60s and Over 70s teams from each state however this year the Over 50s teams also played.

Chifley on South Terrace, Adelaide

This time we stayed at the Chifley on South Terrace near the centre of Adelaide. During the afternoon we therefore went for a walk to the main shopping area and the river. Coming from Melbourne we were amazed at how quiet Adelaide is.

Rundle Mall, Adelaide

Rundle Mall is a main shopping area. During the walk there were light showers, fortunately as we were near the shopping area so we were able to find shelter while they lasted.

Rundle Mall Fountain, Adelaide

As we had not had lunch we visited Koko Black in the Adelaide Arcade for a hot chocolate and a coffee. The hot chocolate was really good.

Koko Black, Adelaide.

With Valentine's Day approaching the Adelaide Arcade was brightly decorated for the occasion.

Adelaide Arcade, Adelaide

On the way to the river we passed the Art Gallery of South Australia. The sculpture outside the gallery is the Life of Stars (2018) designed to provide reflections of the city.

Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide

Next to the gallery is the South Australian Museum with a water feature in the forecourt. Next door is the State Library of South Australia. These buildings are in North Terrace close to buildings of the University of Adelaide.

South Australian Museum, Adelaide

Unfortunately we had limited time for exploring Adelaide but will at least know the layout on another occasion.

We were in Adelaide during the Fringe Festival with the Adelaide Festival coming up in March. Posters for events were displayed in various  locations throughout the city.

Looking towards the footbridge, Torrens River, Adelaide

We walked down Kintore Avenue to the Torrens River. Further along the river, the path leads to the Botanic Gardens and the Zoo. The Adelaide Oval is across the river. Plenty of places to explore on another visit.

On the way back to the hotel we passed through Hurtle Square / Tangkaira, one of the many open parklands in Adelaide. The park is divided into four sections. On each corner is a word of the installation - The Forest of Dreams (2003).

Astor Hotel, Adelaide

Later in the evening members of the team and partners had dinner at the Astor Hotel.

The Game

Adelaide - Victoria v South Australia 2019 - The Game

Tuesday 12 February: Forecast rain, should clear by late morning with possible showers in the afternoon. Not a promising day for cricket.

The three games were scheduled to be played at Kensington Cricket Club at Kensington Gardens reserve. There were three cricket ovals, tennis courts and bowling greens as part of the complex. The cricket pitches on two of the grounds had been covered overnight but the ground where the Over 70s game was to be played was uncovered and was therefore a little damp.

The games were scheduled to start at 10.30 but this was obviously not going to happen. The main ground where the Over 50s game was to be played was not too bad and the game started before lunch. Although covered, the ground where the over 60s game was to be played had pools of water on the covers which need to be removed before the covers could be lifted. Meanwhile the players and supporters sheltered from the showers in the club-rooms.

Victorian Over 70s team, Adelaide 2019

During a break in the morning showers the team photos were taken.

South Australian Over 70s team, Adelaide 2019

Meanwhile work continued on making the main oval suitable for play.

Removing the excess water from the covers on oval no. 2 was the next priority while players continued to inspect the third oval to check that it was drying out so cricket might be played .

Not everyone was disappointed with the weather - the ducks enjoyed the change in the weather.

The Kensington Cricket Club was founded in 1871 and the honour boards contained the names of a number of well known South Australian and Australian players.

The Over 60s and Over 70s had lunch at 12 before starting their matches. It was decided that the Over 70s match would still be 40 overs per side but would be played as a split overs game in case rain permanently stopped play.

Victoria had a good lead at the end of the first half of the game and consolidated the lead in the second half. All the players played well particularly the Victorian bowlers. (Robin bowled 7 overs 0 for 8). Greg Johnson retired at 40 runs and took the wicket of the South Australian captain (Alan Reid) so he certainly had a smile on his face.

The players were pleased to have had the opportunity to play and all the games were completed. The Over 60s game resulted in tied scores (115) while the South Australian Over 50s defeated Victoria. Members of all the teams and their supporters enjoyed a barbecue dinner plus the opportunity to discuss the games.

We returned to Melbourne on the Wednesday in time for Robin to coach the Bayswater Park  under 10s after school. As Robin commented, our sojourn in Adelaide was just like a business trip.

Adelaide - part 1