Banbury - First ODI against England

Wednesday 8 August and we were off to Banbury in Oxfordshire for the first ODI against England.

Before the game the players needed to get ready for the team photos and national anthems. There was some discussion as to whether shirt collars should be out over blazer collars.

As six of the Australian players were playing their first ODI match, caps needed to be formally presented.

Phil Smith, Alan Reid, John Terrell, Stirling Hamman, Tom Wood and Ian Gibson received their baggy green caps from the Australian captain, Ian Petherick.

The England team posed for their team photograph.

 The Australian team photo including the scorer and manager.

It was then time for the singing of the two national anthems.

The Australian captain won the toss and decided to bat. At the end of the 50 overs the score was 7 for 205. John Stackpoole (35), Ian Petherick (14), Alan Reid (30), Stirling Hamman (43), Roger Edmunds (21),  Ian A Gibson (24 not out) and Tim Spear (20) were the main scorers.

This turned out being a very close game with England making 9 for 200 in their 50 overs. Ron Kasputis (3 for 14 off 8 ) and Tim Spear (1 for 37 off 10) opened the bowling. Tom Wood, Colin Cooke,  Phil Smith and Stirling Hamman each took one wicket and there was also a run out. A great win.

James, Melissa, Zoe and Eliza came to watch the game before returning to Australia. Zoe wanted to practise her bowling in the nets.

After the game the two teams enjoyed dinner in the clubrooms.

It had been a most successful day.

Abergavenny - ODI against Wales

The ODI against Wales was played at Abergavenny on Wednesday 15 August.

Abergavenny is in a valley surrounded by mountains and the Abergavenny ground is situated in a picturesque setting.

The Abergavenny Cricket Club was founded in 1834.

A cup of tea was enjoyed by the players while the grounds staff finished working on the ground.

Then it was time for the practice session before the game.

The Australian and Welsh flags were raised.

 Alastair (or coach driver) and John Costello in deep discussion before the game started.

 The team photos were taken.

Wales Over 70s Cricket Team 15 August 2018

Australian Over 70s Cricket Team 15 August 2018

The scorers ready for the game to begin.

Before the match the players from both teams introduced themselves.

Then the game began. Australia batted first and at the end of the 50 overs had made 4 for 281. The opening batsmen, Tom Wood and John Stackpoole made 71 runs before Tom was out for 24. John made 64 runs, Ian Petherick 92 and Alan Reid 64. Wales was then dismissed for 94 runs.

 Robin (0 for 10 off 7 overs) and Ron Kasputtis (1 for 19 off 8 overs) opened the bowling. Colin Cooke (0 for 8 off 5 overs) and Bruce Pooley (0 for 9 off 3 overs) then took over. When Tom Wood (4 for 31 off 10) and Tim Spear ( 5 for 11 off 7.4 overs) the game quickly came to a close. Excellent bowling by all the Australian bowlers.

Tim Spear with the ball after the match

During the game a reporter from BBC Wales recorded interviews with players and officials about seniors cricket which was shown on BBC Wales news - a good promotion for Over 70s Cricket.

At dinner after the game a local Welsh choir entertained the players and supporters.

It had been another great day to remember.

Horsham - Second ODI

The Second ODI was played at Horsham Cricket Club in Sussex on Friday 17 August. We had played a match at this ground before when the Australian Over 60s Team toured in 2015.

The twisted church spire overlooking the ground was a familiar sight. The spire had been built using new oak which warped over the years.

The Horsham Cricket Club was founded in 1806 but reports exist of cricket matches in Horsham dating back to 1768.

Before the game, Robin and Ron inspected the pitch on which they were to bowl.

The team photos were taken.

Australia

England

The teams then lined up for the national anthems.

As this was Robin's first ODI against England for over 70s cricket he was presented with his cap by Australian team captain, Ian Petherick.

Australia bowled first and both Robin and Ron bowled tightly restricting the England batting to 38 runs in the first 16 overs. (Robin 8 overs, 1 maiden, 0 wicket for 21 and Ron 8 overs, 2 maidens, 0 wicket for 17).

England batsmen then went on to make 3 for 271 off their 50 overs. Australian fielding was not up to its usual standard with seven catches dropped. In reply the Australian batsmen made 9 for 249. One ODI game each ensured that the Third ODI would be the decider for this series.

The scorers after a hard day's work.

Sutton - Third ODI

The Third ODI was held at Sutton Cricket Club in Surrey on Monday 27 August.

This club has a long history being established in 1857.

Framed photographs show memories of past games.

One photograph is of the Captain of the Club, G R Blades, with W G Grace.

It was therefore a fitting ground to stage the deciding game between Australia and England on the over 70s cricket tour.

 During this game we once agian caught up with many of the friendly wives of the England players that we had met throughout the tour.

Members of the two teams lined up for the team photos before the game.

The national anthems of the two countries were then sung.

The scorers were ready in their box and the game began.

Australia bowled first and England scored 6 for 251 off their 50 overs. Ron Kasputtis and Tom Wood each took two wickets while Phil Smith took one. There was also a run out. Robin did not play in this match. Andy Barnes top scored for England with 60 runs. This proved to be an exciting game with Australia needing to score six runs in the final over. However the final score for Australia was 9 for 247. Ian Petherick scored 140 runs. England therefore regained the Silver Ashes by winning two matches to one.

During the game, when I walked around the ground, I noticed a small building in the far corner.

When I investigated there was a sign confirming that this building was probably the first pavilion. Before then it had been the railway station for Sutton from 1845-1865.

One of the photos in the clubrooms shows the pavilion many years ago.

In the afternoon I went for a walk to explore the surrounding area. As it was a bank holiday it was relatively quiet.

Sutton appears to be well serviced by buses which ran regularly.

After the game the dinner was served in grand style - a fitting end to a great tour.