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