Over 70s National Championships - Games three and four

Monday 25 November

Victoria White versus Queensland

Game three was played at Victoria Park oval 2.The game started early as it was to be another hot day with a temperature of 35. Queensland batted first and were all out for 133. Robin bowled 7 overs - 1 wicket for 26 runs. There was also a run out in his last over. Victoria won the match 2 / 134.

There were three ovals at Victoria Park. The change rooms for ovals two and three.

As the game progressed the scorers moved their table to different locations to be in the shade.

Julie, Anne, Marie and I sat under trees to watch the match, moving as the shade moved.

The ground was at the back of the Cultural Centre. Julie trying out one of the art installations near the cricket ground.

Once again, the four Victorian teams won their matches making eleven wins in twelve games.

Tuesday 26 November

Division One final - Victoria Blue versus Victoria White 

In the Second Division Victoria 3 played New South Wales in the final. Victoria 4 played for third or fourth place in Second Division.

This time we played at Victoria Park Oval one. As it was to be another hot day with temperatures around 36 degrees we arrived early. The ground staff were still preparing the ground. Unfortunately the sprinklers had been left on overnight so the pitch and surrounding ground was wet. There would be no early start.

Near the pitch was a large puddle of water that needed to be dried and made safe before the game could begin.

On the plus side we were able to watch the game from an air-conditioned building and the scorers had a table and chairs supplied.

Life was also more comfortable for the spectators.

Victoria Blue batted first and made 4 for 183 runs. In his first five overs only 12 runs had been scored from Robin's bowling. Later in the game he bowled another two overs which were more expensive.
Victoria White was 7 for 160 at the end of their 40 overs.

View of clubrooms and stand at Victoria Park.

View of rugby grandstand on the other side of the oval.

Victoria therefore came first and second in the First Division. In the Second Division Victorian teams came second and third. It had been a very successful tournament for Victorian teams.

After the final match it had originally been planned to hold a barbecue for all the teams at Victoria Park. However the barbecue was cancelled. An end of championship dinner for the Victorian teams was held at the restaurant at The Oxley Motel. 

At very short notice, Megan, manager of The Oxley Restaurant, organised a buffet for the Victorian players and supporters. Veterans Cricket Australia Victoria paid for the food while Exotic Cricket Tours contributed towards the cost of drinks.drinks.

Megan did a great job at short notice and the Victorian teams' buffet dinner at the Oxley Restaurant was a great success.

Next day we started on our journey back to Melbourne. Between Forbes and Temora we encountered rain again. We spent the night at the Seaton Arms Motor Inn returning to Melbourne the following morning. The end of another cricketing adventure.