Adelaide - Victoria versus South Australia 2023

On 13 March we were once again off to the airport to travel on a Virgin flight to Adelaide where the annual Victoria versus South Australia veterans' cricket competition was to be held. Most of the team members stayed at the Arkaba Hotel at Fullarton.

The hotel provided comfortable accommodation, including a functional shower which was easy to use. There were many entertainment spaces near the hotel entrance foyer including the bistro and other restaurants, bars and gaming areas.

We knew that the Monday was the Labor Day (Moomba) holiday in Melbourne but did not realise until we went for a walk that it was also a public holiday in Adelaide - Adelaide Cup Day - and everything, including the local supermarket, was closed.  It was strange to wander around the empty streets. In the evening we had dinner in the bistro with members from the over 70s team and also the over 60s team.

Next morning members of the Victorian over 70s team who had stayed at the hotel met near the hotel lobby before travelling to the Kensington Gardens Cricket Club. We had played at this complex before but this time the weather was perfect for cricket while in 2019 it was raining.

The cricket club has three ovals set in a large park. Other sporting facilities include tennis courts and a bowls club. The over 70s played their match on the Ford Oval.

Team meeting where strategies for the game were discussed before the team moved to the Ford Oval to play the match. Members of the Victorian over 70s team included Kevin Lanigan (Captain), Ian Gibson (VC & Wk), Denis Brown, Robin Court, Jim Geltch, Barry Hopper, Ron Kasputtis, Peter Neville, Les Quarrell, Tim Spear, Robert White and Graeme Wilson.

Robin ready to play cricket

Victoria fielded first with Ronnie Kasputis and Robin opening the bowling.

Both bowlers bowled their eight overs tightly restricting the runs of the South Australian batters so that at the end of sixteen overs the score was around 40 runs. South Australia only managed to score 113 runs in their innings. After lunch Victoria passed the South Australian score, losing only three wickets.

Meanwhile a much closer game was in progress on the Colonel Waite Oval. The match was eventually won by the Victorian over 60s team.

The over 50s match played on the Parkinson Oval was also a close game that Victoria won.

The shield for each match was presented to each of the Victorian teams after the game. We then went back to the hotel to have dinner in the bistro.

Next morning we returned to Adelaide Airport to board the plane returning us to Melbourne. At Tullamarine, the car that Robin had booked was waiting to take us home.

It was a successful and enjoyable trip although we were only away for a couple of days.

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

Australian Veterans Over 70s Cricket Championships - Free Day - Glenelg (2)

GLENELG ARCHITECTURE
At the suggestion of staff from the information centre, we went for a walk along the foreshore, particularly South Esplanade, to view some of the older and interesting buildings in Glenelg. A self-guided walk, Mansions of Glenelg, is available from the information centre. A copy is also available online.

Seafield Tower, 6-7 South Esplanade, was built in 1876. It was originally designed as two separate 15 room residences - for Sir Henry Ayres and Sir Thomas Elder. There was a separate staircase to the tower from each side of the building, but the viewing platforms were communal.

Stormont, 14 South Esplanade, was built in 1886 for grazier, Simon Barnard. Originally is consisted of twelve rooms, two cellars and two bathrooms. Barnard lost the house to neighbour, William Pile, when playing poker two years later.

Albert Hall, built in 1878, is located at 16 South Esplanade. It was built originally for William Kyffin Thomas but he died the year the building was completed. When William Pile acquired the 20 room, three storey mansion, a ballroom was added. In 1930 the building became the Oriental Private Hotel and in 1982 is was used for accommodation for backpackers. In the 1990s the building was subdivided into three residences.

Glenara, another impressive mansion, is located at 32 South Esplanade. It was built in 1873 and belonged to the Hill family until the 1990s.

A change in style is Shoreham, a block of apartments built in 1938. Definitely Art Deco in style, this three storey apartment block is at 18 A South Esplanade.

A number of other houses in the street caught our attention.

Although South Esplanade has houses built in different styles and at different times they all look as if they belong to the area.

Another interesting block of apartments. Let's hope that any new buildings remain sympathetic to the area.

View across the road from the houses.

Some of the neighbours.

View towards Glenelg and the pier.

When visiting Glenelg, a walk along the foreshore is a must.

Other posts about the over 70s cricket carnival in Adelaide:
See Day 1 and Day 2 for information on the matches.
See Day 3 and Day 4 for information on the matches.
Rest Day touring Glenelg
The Motel

Australian Veterans Over 70s Cricket Championships - Adelaide (b)

GAME THREE
For the third match, on Wednesday 8 November, we headed north of Adelaide again to play at Gaza Oval at Broadview.

Queensland, like Victoria, had two teams in the First Division and on this occasion we played the Queensland Stormers.
Once again Victoria batted first and were 2 for 180 at the end of the 40 overs. Dick Stumbles 41 retired, John Costello 40 retired, Les Payne run out for 38, Graeme Freshwater run out for 35.
In reply Queensland Stormers were all out for 70.
Ron Kasputtis 3 for 22 off 7, Robin Court 2 for 12 off 7, Bruce Pooley 1 for 10 off 4, John Costello 2 for 4 off 2, Ian Longmuir 1 for 2 off 2.1. Another convincing victory cementing top spot in Pool A.

This was another picturesque ground. The fire on the mountain was from burning off. The hospitality at this club was excellent. We also got to meet some of the locals who reside in a nest near the door to the clubrooms.

There were three baby birds in the nest but this one was determined not to miss anything.

This area is also known as Klemzig and was an early German settlement established in 1838. The OG Hotel, pictured above, dates from 1843 and is next to the cricket ground. The area was renamed Gaza during the two World Wars. The cricket club and football club later voted to keep the name Gaza.

THE FINALS  
The finals were held on Thursday 9 November. The First Division final was played at Marion Oval no. 1. This ground was a relatively short drive from the motel.

Before the game the Victorian players posed for another photograph.

Queensland Cyclones, winners of Pool B, were Victoria's opponents. A number of players who had been in the Queensland Stormers team the previous day played in the Cyclones team in the finals.
Once again Victoria 1 won the toss, and batted first and at the end of 40 overs were 5 for 131 - not a large score, but as the saying goes, Victoria had the the runs were on the board'. 

Queensland bowled the tightest of any team we had played. Dick Stumbles 3, John Costello 25, Wavell McPherson 4, Ian Gibson 2, Arthur Prichard 31, Ian Longmuir 27 not out, Les Payne 27 not out. The innings of the last three batsmen saved the Victorian team. 

Queensland were 4 for 113 after 30 overs and 19 runs were required from 10 overs. Then the Victorian captain, Arthur Pritchard, brought himself on and took 4 for 7 off 3 overs allowing Victoria to take 5 for 12 to win the match. Queensland was dismissed for 125.  All the players contributed to the win. Robin bowled 7 overs, 4 maidens, 1 wicket for six runs. 

This was a great win by great team.

A very happy team of players left the Marion Oval to get ready to catch the bus to the Carrington Function Centre in the city for the presentation of trophies and the Championship Dinner. Victoria 3 won the Second Division so it was a very successful championship for Victoria.

Many thanks to Dick Stumbles for giving us a lift to the grounds each match day. 

Other posts about the over 70s cricket carnival in Adelaide:
See Day 1 and Day 2 for information on the other two games.
Rest Day touring Glenelg
Glenelg Architecture
The Motel

Australian Veterans Over 70s Cricket Championships - Adelaide (a)

The 1st Australian Veterans Over 70s Cricket Championships was held in Adelaide from 4 - 9 November 2017.

We arrived in Adelaide early on Saturday afternoon, 4 November, then travelled to the Comfort Motel in Anzac Highway, Glenelg, by taxi - a short drive from the airport. Once we had settled into the room we decided to explore the area. There was a shopping centre with a supermarket not far from the motel. The shopping centre opened on to Jetty Road, more shops and at the end, the beach.

In the evening we travelled to the Marion Club for the Meet and Greet, the opening event of the championships.

GAME ONE
The first day of competition was Sunday 5 November. The Victorian First Team was scheduled to play at Duncan Fraser Reserve at Gepps Cross, north of Adelaide. The game did not start until after 12.15 as an under 10 game was being played first. By the time they got on the ground the players were well warmed up. Game one was against Western Australia.

Members of the Victorian one team: back row from left - Ian Sharp, Ian Gibson, Ian Longmuir, Arthur Pritchard, Dick Stumbles, John Costello, Robin Court, Ron Kasputtis.
Front Row - Wavell McPherson, Les Payne, Graeme Freshwater, Bruce Pooley.

Victoria batted first and at the end of the innings were 6 for 182. after 40 overs. Dick Stumbles retired on 40. Wavell McPherson 33. Arthur Pritchard (Captain) retired on 43. Ian Longmuir 17.
WA were all out for 88. Ron Kasputtis 1 for 14 off 6. Robin Court 2 for 19 off 7. John Costello 2 for 26 off 7. Bruce Pooley 2 for 24 off 6 and Ian Longmuir 2 for 0 off 4 balls. A great team effort and a good start for the championships.

During the afternoon a pair of ibis visited the ground. This one had no interest in Robin's bowling.

After the game the Victorian players celebrated with a few stretching exercises.

The weather was scheduled to be warm and was sunny when we left the motel. Unfortunately there was a cool (cold) wind during the afternoon and I had not brought a jacket. I made sure that I was better prepared for the other games, no matter what the forecast.

GAME TWO
Monday looked like another good day, weatherwise, and this time we set off for Unley Oval. This ground was closer to the motel than the ground for the previous match.

As this information post outside the ground indicate Unley Oval dates back to 1892.

Victoria one vs NSW: Victoria won the toss and batted first. 1 for 202 off 40 Overs. Ian Gibson 40 retired. Dick Stumbles 27 caught. Wavell McPherson 40 retired. Arthur Pritchard 41 off 31 balls. Ian Longmuir 36 not out off 37 balls.
NSW 7 for 98. Ron Kasputtis 1 for 12, Robin Court 1 for 25, John Costello 1 for 20, Ian Longmuir 1 for 6 off 7, Graeme Freshwater 0 for 8 off 6 Overs, Bruce Pooley 0 for 25 off 7. This was another great result.

Robin bowling in front of the Harry J McKay stand. This stand provided spectators with a good view of the game.

A feature of the ground were the numbered pickets with the names of people who had sponsored each picket.

Tuesday was a well deserved rest day for the players.

Other posts about the over 70s cricket carnival in Adelaide:
See Day 3 and Day 4 for information on the other two games.
Rest Day touring Glenelg
Glenelg Architecture
The Motel