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2025

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JOHN EVANS IS THE IMC OVER-70s PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Congratulations to John Evans from England, who has been named the IMC Over-70s Player of the Year for 2024. The decision was made by the IMC Over-70s Age Group Committee.

Evans captained the England squad as they won the inaugural IMC Over-70s World Cup in his home country in July of 2024. In doing so he demonstrated his ability to build and lead a cohesive and spirited group that proved so fundamental to their success during the seven match tournament.

His own qualities as a player – scoring 227 runs in five innings across the tournament, 78 of those in a match-winning partnership under pressure in the Grand Final – further endorse John’s winning of this prestigious award.

For more on this story plus a chance to see John batting at the World Cup final, see: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=international%20masters%20cricket

2024

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England 70+ News Page

2024 – 70s World Cup Tournament Fixtures

All matches commence at 12.00 noon except for the final at Wormsley which starts at 11.00am

Match Day OneFree DayMatchesVenuesPost Code
Sunday 28th JulyCanada1.1 England v Sri LankaHigh WycombeHP11 1DE
  1.2 New Zealand v IndiaAmershamHP7 0RN
  1.3 Australia v WalesFinchampsteadRG40 4JR
     
Match Day TwoFree DayMatchesVenuesPost Code
Tuesday 30th JulyWales2.1 New Zealand v Sri LankaBeaconsfieldHP9 2HZ
  2.2 India v EnglandSloughSL3 7LT
  2.3 Australia v CanadaTeddingtonTW11 0EP
     
Match Day ThreeFree DayMatchesVenuesPost Code
Thursday 1st AugustAustralia3.1 New Zealand v EnglandMarlowSL7 2AE
  3.2 Sri Lanka v IndiaFarnham RoyalSL2 3AW
  3.3 Wales v CanadaBishop’s StortfordCM23 2TD
     
Match Day FourFree DayMatchesVenuesPost Code
Sunday 4th AugustEngland4.1 New Zealand v AustraliaFarnham RoyalSL2 3AW
  4.2 India v WalesMarlowSL7 2AE
  4.3 Sri Lanka v CanadaHigh WycombeHP11 1DE
     
Match Day FiveFree DayMatchesVenuesPost Code
Tuesaday 6th AugustSri Lanka5.1 New Zealand v WalesBishop’s StortfordCM23 2TD
  5.2 India v CanadaCookham DeanSL6 9LF
  5.3 Australia v EnglandBeaconsfieldHP9 2HZ
     
Match Day SixFree DayMatchesVenuesPost Code
Thursday 8th AugustIndia6.1 Canada v New ZealandMarlowSL7 2AE
  6.2 Australia v Sri LankaRoyal AscotSL5 7LQ
  6.3 Wales v EnglandBishop’s StortfordCM23 2TD
     
Match Day SevenFree DayMatchesVenuesPost Code
Friday 9th AugustNew Zealand7.1 India v AustraliaRoyal AscotSL5 7LQ
  7.2 Wales v Sri LankaHigh WycombeHP11 1DE
  7.3 England v CanadaWargraveRG10 8BG
     
Final : Sunday11th August vWormsleyHP14 3YE
     

16/05/2024

England Squad for the 70s World Cup – England 2024

After conversations with county representatives and our scouts around the country as well as a look at a number of talented cricketers in two trial matches, the selectors have chosen the following squad to represent England in this summer’s inaugural 70s World Cup:

Captain: John Evans – GloucestershireVice Captain: Derek Towe – Kent
Andrew Peters – SurreyMike Stafford – Middlesex
John Hall – SurreyNick Andrews – Cambridgeshire
Chris Evans – SurreyDuncan Elder – Hertfordshire
Mike Kenyon – YorkshireNigel Belletty – Gloucestershire
Simon Sargent – EssexGodfrey Lamb – Worcestershire
Tim Smith – EssexPeter Hayes – Worcestershire
Marcus Young – EssexSteve Sheppard – Somerset

With over two months of the season to play before the tournament starts on 28th July the selectors have taken the precaution of inviting the following players to be on standby:

Bob Pittaway – WorcestershireJohn Turnton – Gloucestershire
Brian Shipley – BuckinghamshireKeith Daniels – Gloucestershire
Martin Burgess – Sussex 

2023

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21/08/2023

Match Report Third ODI of 2023 Silver Ashes played at Maidenhead and Bray CC on Sunday 20th August.

The Maidenhead & Bray CC ground lies in the lovely village of Bray and was since the early 70s where Sir Michael Parkinson and his family played their cricket, supported the club, and felt at home in the company of friends.
As a local resident the England Manager was able to say a few words of reflection on the occasion of Sir Michael’s passing.
Those gathered were reminded of deeds of the recent past by Stuart Bulger who has also sadly passed away as Barry Hart an old England 70s team mate reflected upon Stuart’s boundary line catch to seal the home teams winning of the Silver Ashes in 2018.
Those sad reflections over the Salvation Army band present led the teams in fine renditions of their national anthems.
England Captain, John Evans won the toss and chose to bowl.
The Australian tourists were missing a few through injuries including probably their best bat to date Kevin Lanigan, those who stood in though made their contributions to what was to turn out to be a game of ups and downs before a final denouement which was either comical, disappointing or nerve wracking depending upon which side of the fence you were sitting.
As England took the field a familiar pattern emerged, Australians got in then got out and Tim Smith (2 for 20 off 10) bowled beautifully and it looked for a while that the tourist might fail to reach a defendable score. Amongst a flurry of wickets, a masterpiece as Ian Petherick, so recently the nemesis of England bowlers dropped the ball towards square leg and set off for what he hoped was a well-judged single only to see said ball overtake him and scatter the stumps at the bowler’s end as keeper Nigel Belletty sprinted eight yards to pick up and throw on the turn to leave Ian a little way from safety.
What the tourist needed now at 71 for 6 was an innings turning stand and they found one as Murray Harrison and Vince Bulger came together with a mix of caution and aggression to take the score to 156 before Bulger was bowled by Southwell for 49. Around about this stage England’s catching went through what might be described as a ragged patch as not one, not two but five quite catchable balls were spilled as the sides very high fielding standards slipped for a while.
That situation was corrected as Mike Stafford caught Harrison off Southwell (2 for 33 of 9) for 42 and Australia ended their innings at 182 for 8.
Mick Kenyon was his usual tidy self with 1 for 26 off 10 and Mike Stafford bowled his five overs for 17 runs.

When England batted, they lost Ian Caunce early on to a catch by Tim Spear off Colin Cook who went on to bowl with great skill and control to take 4 England wickets for 28 off his 10 overs. As a unit it’s probably fare to say that the Australian bowlers came to the party a little late in the series but in this match, they showed their true colours and made the England batters work hard for every run.
After the loss of Caunce, Andrew Peters and John Evans set about repeating the formula of the previous two weeks as both looked to dominate the bowling although with much more difficulty on this occasion. Peters (32) again fell when set whilst Evans (87) who has been wonderfully consistent across the series, pushed on but succumbed to Cook, caught by Petherick leaving England on 156 for 5 with just 27 in a little more than 10 overs required for the win.
The tourist needed wickets to be in with a chance and they came through a mix of splendid bowling under pressure and a marvelous pick up and throw at one stump by Headlam to run out Tim Smith before he got off the mark.
It was at this stage that Vince Bulger again came to fore with death bowling of great skill, just back of a length and varying his pace to make scoring to a well set field very difficult indeed. Simon Sargent did well to marshal the English response he and last man in Mick Kenyon, who had doubtless seen all this before found themselves arriving at the last ball needing two win one for the tie.
The tension of the game brought out something that had been missing from the series to date, crowd support as Aussie, Aussie, Aussie chimed out into the early Sunday evening air, perhaps it played a part in the eventual outcome as Sargent played the ball wide right of bowler Bulger who shied at the stumps at his end and missed just before Sarge arrived in his crease, Kenyon was still vulnerable though as the ball was picked up and thrown to keeper Murray Harrison with Mick a few yards short of safety, Murray, out of his ground was urged on by Aussie, Aussie, Aussie to quickly throw the stumps down, he did just that and missed.
Which just goes to show……….. you should never hurry a Murray.
Nigel Belletty was chosen by the Australians as England’s man of the match for his masterpiece and generally excellent glove work whilst Vince Bulger was chosen by England as the Australian man of the match for his top top all round performance.
England won the series two-nil with one match tied and Veterans/Seniors cricket won new friends, increased awareness and players, wives and partners created memories which will last their life times.
Till the next time.

17/08/2023

Cricket’s Silver Ashes confirms you’re never too old for international debut

Follow this link to view the excellent article published in the Guardian newspaper this week https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/aug/16/cricket-silver-ashes-england-over-70s-australia

16/08/2023

Match Report Second ODI of the 2023 Silver Ashes played at Wellington CC on Sunday 13th August.

At a wonderfully attractive ground which nestles under the Wrekin, a striking hill in east Shropshire, England 70+ retained the Silver Ashes with a confident display of high-quality cricket. There were wobbles along the way, but the depth of England’s batting and control offered by the bowling and fielding unit ensured that the Silver Ashes continue to rest in the northern hemisphere.

Opener Ian Caunce was carrying an injury so Derek Towe of Kent who had missed the previous game through illness came into the England side and Australia shuffled their pack in an effort find a winning formula.

Skipper John Evans won the toss and elected to bat first on what looked like a good cricket wicket with Andrew Peters and Evans himself opening the innings.

The skipper is on a run of form, 136 in his last county innings and 114 not out in the one before that which was the first ODI so expectations of him were high and he did not disappoint with a very fluent 57off 84 before being caught by his counterpart off Bulger. At the other end Peters played some cracking cover drives having that tall man’s long reach and a high back lift certainly helps him look the part and he went on his merry way until being caught behind off the Aussies man of the match Mike Riley (3-34 off 10)

We were into the Australian spinners now as the usually reliable seam bowling unit of Cook and Kasputis were struggling to find a rhythm, the third seamer Southall (1-36 off 10) did his bit, but it was the spinners who undermined the English middle order. A pattern development, do the hard work, get yourself in then somehow get yourself out and the cream of the English batting unit found themselves back in the hutch taking in what was admittedly a fantastic view of a special cricket ground.

Still cometh the hour cometh the men and here those men were Nick Andrews (37 off 48) and Tim Smith (28 off 27) a cricketer with the fluid swing of a hockey player which indeed he is and for England no less. They together with the usual entertaining contribution for Stephen Sheppard (16 not out from 11) took the England score from 50 overs to a respectable 236 for 8. Game on!

A word for Tommy Stafford before we go to tea who came into the England team to keep wicket whist Nigel Bellety was otherwise engaged, what a wonderfully nibble and active keeper Tommy is it’s a real pleasure to see him at work and hear his always positive support for his teammates.

Tea gave the assembled more chance to enjoy the place we were in for this ODI, if you are a cricket fan it’s a bit of heaven, even the lack of sun and warmth failed to steal its charm. This is what Jack Russell wicket keeper of renown and painter of repute made of it:

With a marvelous tea out of the way, Wellington CC really did us proud, it was over to opening bowlers Smith and Sheppard to make what they could out of the conditions and Smith (1-36 off 10) obliged by having captain Wood out lbw having faced just 6 balls.
Then strangely a pattern emerged (where have we heard that before?) where batters got in then got out and it was firstly Nick Andrews who was persuading them to do the latter then those master of spin, artists of twirl Mick Kenyon (2 for 27 of 10) and Martin Southwell with identical figures who was later adjudged the English man of the match by the Australians, it must be the way you part your hair Mick.
Amongst the clatter of wickets two Australian batters stood out Ian Petherick (31 off 57) always called Mr Petherick in the score book and even he doesn’t know why, and Kevin Lanigan (50 off 61) who really is a high-class bat with that lovely walking clip between mid-wicket and square leg which those in the know say denotes a touch of class. Mr Petherick was run out by Derek Towe, we had to get him into this report somehow, in what was a bit of a kamikaze affair and Towe popped up again to catch Lanigan in the deep, never a doubt Derek, off Southwell.
A flutter by Bulger (15 off 29) and the Silver Ashes were retained with Australia closing at 145 all out and England taking a two-nil lead with one game to go at Maidenhead and Bray.
A big thank you to Wellington CC for their wonderful hospitality and support.

08/08/2023

Match Report:  First ODI of 2023 Silver Ashes Series played at Colchester and East Essex CC on Sunday 6th August

After extremely wet conditions on Saturday only the diligence of the Colchester and East Essex CC ground staff, who worked through the night, ensured this first in the three match ODI series went ahead. Our thanks to them for all their hard work.
Given the generally wet conditions and light covering of grass on the wicket on winning the toss Aussie captain Tom Wood was seduced into having a bowl, in retrospect Tom might think it a toss best lost.
England opened with Andrew Peters of Surrey and Ian Caunce of Lancashire, two forceful batters who found themselves frustrated as a series of hard hit drives and pulls crept to a halt inside the boundary in the wet conditions.
Caunce succumbed first caught for 18 off a Kasputis clever, slower, and wider one whilst Peters was joined by the skipper John Evans of Gloucester before he succumbed bowled by a jubilant Southwell who was a bit miffed to have had an LBW shout turned down the ball before!
Evans though looked in great nick and so it proved as after a measured start he cut, pulled, and drove his way to a fine 114 not out off 125 balls ably assisted by first Simon Sargent (28) of Essex then Nick Andrews (33) of Cambs and Hunts.
Having been put in to bat England found themselves at 254 for 7 from their 50 overs.
The pick of the Australian bowlers was Ian Davies who came on belatedly to pick up 3 for 26 off his 5 overs.
In response Australian got off to the worst possible start and England to the best having skipper and star batter Tom Wood bowled by a Steve Sheppard outswingers that started somewhere outside leg and darted back in to significantly disturb middle stump.
From then on Australian batsmen found the going hard as Tim Smith of Essex proved mightily difficult to get away and spin twins, not identical in any way, Mick Kenyon of Yorkshire and Martin Southwell of Essex kept things so tight that opener Peter Neville was unable break free and found himself reaching his 50 after 123 balls!
Contributions from Murray Harrison 25 off 16 and the stand out knock of the innings by Ian Davies 61 off 56 gave the Australians some impetus but the English bowlers were in the driving seat and brought home the win with Australia ending their 50 overs at 202 for 5.
Mike Kenyon picked up 2 for 36 off 10 and Steve Sheppard came back to pick up a second wicket to end with 2 for 39 of ten.
England chose Ian Davies as the Australian man of the match for his three wickets and free scoring 61 and Australia had little trouble in choosing John Evans as England man of the match for his dominant 114 not out.
Last time John faced the Aussies he got a first baller in the Melbourne sun shine. That’s cricket for you!
On to Wellington CC (Telford) now for the second match of the series this Sunday with a start time of 12.30pm.

The England squad for that game remains the same as for the first match in the series.

Silver Ashes Squad

After two further trial matches against Kent, where the England Select team had a comfortable victory, and a Chairman’s squad which took the honors on the day, see full details on the England Seniors Play Cricket site, the England 70s management group have selected the following squad for the three match 2023 home Ashes series:
Captain: John Evans of Gloucestershire
Vice-Captain: Derek Towe of Kent

Ian Caunce of Lancashire
Steve Sheppard of Somerset
Trevor Spindler of Berks & Bucks
Andy Peters of Surrey
John Hall of Surrey
Nick Andrews of Cams/Hunts
Simon Sargent of Essex
Mike Stafford of Middlesex
Chris Swadkin of Kent
Martin Southwell of Essex
Tim Smith of Essex
Mick Kenyon of Yorkshire
Nigel Belletty (wk) of Gloucestershire

Standby wicket keepers:
–         Tommy Stafford of Lincs/Ridings for the Wellington game
–         Martin Burgess of Sussex for the games at Colchester and Maidenhead and Bray

ODI Dates and Venues – 12.30 pm start unless stated otherwise and 50 over games
Game One – 6th August at Colchester & East Essex CC
Game Two – 13th August at Wellington CC (Telford)
Game Three – 20th August at Maidenhead & Bray CC – 12pm Start

We expect this to be a keenly contested series between two highly motivated and talented squads your support at games would be greatly appreciated, so come along, cheer on England and bump into a few old friends around the ground and at the bar.

Chris Lowe
England Cricket Seniors 70+
Team Manager

22/05/2023

Match Report for England 70+ Trial Match V Wales at Ebbw Vale CC on 21st May

This was the first in a three match trial series to help inform selectors when they set out to choose a squad to face the Australian tourists in August. Hosted by Wales at Ebbw Vale CC, a lovely ground tucked away in the valleys, on a bright sunny day England batted first.

With retirement at 50 in place for England players Roger Tidyman, Ian Caunce and skipper John Evans reached that landmark and exited to leave Dom Ingram, Brian Shipley, and Chris Swadkin to move things along with breezy 30s to a final 45 over score of 309 for 5. For Wales Malcom McHugh picked up a couple of wickets and Ron Walton bowled tidily as ever

In reply Wales succumbed to some fine work behind the stumps by Nigel Belletty with five stumpings and three wickets each for John Turton and Barry Hart with only Mike Staddon keeping the bowling at bay with a well-constructed 35.

Attention now turns to the next England trial match against a Kent side with one or two invitees at Hartley CC on 4th June.

Chris
Chris Lowe
England Cricket Seniors 70+
Team Manager

08/05/2023

England Cricket Seniors 70+ 2023 Trial Match Programme

With the Australian tourists arriving in August for a three match ODI series 70+ selectors are now focusing on the creation of a squad to retain the Silver Ashes which the Aussies failed to prize from us in February when we toured there.

We have arranged three trial matches:

  •         Kent at Hartley CC on 27th April
  •         Wales at Ebbw Vale CC on 21st May
  •      Chairman’s XI at Stourport CC on11th June

We have invited both recent England 70+ squad players and individuals recommended by their counties for their consistently high performances in recent years to participate in these trial matches, the players are:

John Evans – Captain
Chris Swadkin – Kent
Philip Tingay – Staffs/Derby
Mike Stafford – Midds
Barry Hart – Surrey
Nick Andrews – Cambs
Keith Alexander – Midds
Simon Sargent – Essex
Duncan Elder – Herts
Andy Peters – Surrey
Tim Smith – Essex
John Hall – Surrey
Ken Jones – Suffolk
Trevor Spindler – Berk/Bucks
Brian Shipley – Berks/Bucks
Richard Owen – Staffs/Derby
Tommy Stafford – Lincs/Ridings
Derek Towe – Kent
Martin Woodward – Worcs
Martin Southwell – Essex
Dominic Ingram – Herts
Steve Sheppard – Somerset
Keith Daniel – Glouc
David Hinchcliffe – Suffolk
Mick Kenyon – Yorks
Ian Caunce – Lancs
Roger Tidyman – Sussex
Ian Harvey – Berks/Bucks
John Turton – Glouc
Martin Burgess – Sussex
Nigel Belletty – Glouc

The England Cricket Seniors squad to contest the 2023 ODI series against Australia will be announced in mid-June.

Chris Lowe
England Cricket Seniors 70+
Team Manager

01/04/2023

England Cricket Seniors 70+ Captaincy

Chris Swadkin
Having returned from our tour of Australia with the Silver Ashes Chris has decided to step back from the role of captain for the 2023 ODI series against the Australians.

Its been a real pleasure to work with Chris over the last couple of years as with the involvement of Barry Hart we have put together an England 70+ squad which during February won both cricket matches and friends across the eastern states of Australia.

The good news is that Chris’s deep knowledge of the 60s and 70s county cricket scene will not be lost to us as he retains his selector position for the upcoming ODI series against the touring Australians.

John Evans of Gloucestershire
Having been Vice Captain on our Australian tour I am pleased to say that John, with his achievements as a batsman and leadership experience across cricket and other sports, has accepted the management committee’s invitation to captain the England 70+ side in 2023.

The Aussies will be focused or wrestling the Silver Ashes from us but I know that is a challenge which John will be looking forward to taking on.

Chris Lowe
England Cricket Seniors 70+
Team Manager

Australia 70+ Tour of England 2023

Game DateOppositionVenueResult
1Friday28/07/2023SurreyChipstead CCAustralia by 7 Wickets
2Sunday30/07/2023KentKent County Cricket Ground, CanterburyAbandoned
3Tuesday01/08/2023SuffolkCopdock CCAustralia by 19 Runs
4Friday04/08/2023HertfordshireHertford CCAustralia by 12 Runs
5Sunday06/08/2023England 1st ODIColchester & East Essex CCEngland by 54 Runs
6Tuesday08/08/2023Lincs / RidingsHarrogate CCLincs/Ridings by 6 wickets
7Friday11/08/2023CheshireChester Boughton Hall CCAustralia by 7 Wickets
8Sunday13/08/2023England 2nd ODIWellington CCEngland by 91 Runs
9Wednesday16/08/2023Wales ODINewport CCAustralia by 141 Runs
10Friday18/08/2023Berks / BucksTaplow CCAustralia by 115 Runs
11Sunday20/08/2023England 3rd ODIMaidenhead & Bray CCMatch Tied

Ashes Reports Winter 2023

Game 11: 3rd ODI Australia v England 70+ at Caulfield CC



So we came to the final game of the tour with the ODI’s one apiece and all to play for both Australia and England.

The tourists received the usual welcomes by Victoria and Australian officials and the ceremonial Acknowledgment of Country and of Elders Past, Present & Emerging of the peoples of the Kulin Nation’s five clans who have been custodians of the land for thousands of years.

The toss took place and for the third time in ODI’s Chris Swadkin won the toss and was able to elect to field first. In conditions that more resembled an English summer than an Australian one the feeling was that the wicket would suit bowling first, possibly with some swing under cloud and movement off the wicket and become more placid to bat on as the day progressed and the forecast sunny weather appearing towards the mid innings break. This proved to be sound judgement.

England opened with Trevor Spindler (10-1-30-0) and Steve Sheppard (10-3-28-3) and in the ninth over with the score on just 12, Tom Wood the Australian captain who had not completely recovered from a groin strain had a mix up with John Stackpoole leaving the latter easily run out when Martin Southwell made a clean pick up and throw. The England opening pair continued until the end of the 15th over when Australia had only amassed 33 for the loss of one wicket.

John Hall (2-0-12-0) replaced Sheppard whilst Spindler bowled out his allotted 10 overs. Martin Southwell (10-3-23-1) bowled his full allotment of overs with Nick Andrews (10-3-22-1) bowled six of his overs in partnership until the 32nd over. On the first ball of the 25th over Andrews had Petherick well caught by John Hall, 72-2, and 8 balls later Southwell had Wood caught behind by Martin Burgess, 72-3, in a wicket maiden over. This was followed by a further three maidens, so at the end of the 29th over Australia were still 72-3 and had scored at a run rate of only 2.48 per over. Brian Shipley was introduced to the attack for the 33rd over.

At the end of the 38th over the total had meandered to 98-3 with the run rate up slightly to 2.58. With 12 overs remaining Lannigan clearly decided that drastic measures were required and after exchanging singles with Murray Harrison off the first two balls, then a dot ball off the third ball he decided to launch an attack hitting Shipley for 14 from the last three balls of the over, 114-3

Sheppard replaced Southwell who had bowled out for his final two overs and having also been struck for four he had Lannigan caught by Brian Shipley, 119-4. Peter Harrison Joined his namesake and together the took the score to 136-4 at the end of the 43rd over, the first over of Andrews second spell, seven overs to go. Next over Steve Sheppard bowled Murray Harrison, 136-5 and after conceding 3 runs to White had Peter Harrison caught by John Hall off his last ball of the over, 136-6 after 44 overs. Brian Shipley returned to bowl his second spell and with Andrews they bowled to the end of the innings.

Chris Swadkin ran out Madden in the 45th over, 143-7, and then Brian Shipley had Southall caught by Sheppard in the middle of the 48th over, 152-8. Andrews last over went for just one run and then Shipley bowled Spear with the first ball of the last over, 154-9, and then clever bowling by Shipley ensured they could only get another 5 runs from the over despite efforts to score more. The innings closed on 159-9 after 50 overs. Therefore, England needed 160 from their 50 overs at just 3.2 runs per over.

As had happened previously this tour the England innings got off to a faltering start. John Evans was caught at fine leg on the one, having played a pull at a short first ball only to get a top edge. Derek Towe (75*) joined Keith Alexander (7) and they scored at four an over until Alexander stepped across his stumps to be lbw, hit in front by a ball that would probably have his the top of middle stump, 28-2. This brought Chris Swadkin to join his county teammate and he made a tour record of 20 dot balls to get off the mark whilst Towe added 14 runs. He changed all that with an emphatically struck 4 and never looked back.

No matter whom the Australians turned to as their bowling attack, Towe and Swadkin just settled into a rhythm of defending good balls and scoring freely off balls that they felt could be attacked. Consequently. With 8.2 overs to spare they completed the task of getting to the required 160 runs in an undefeated stand of 132.

The Grey Ashes were retained by England.

It must be said how strong the bonding has been between the whole touring party, players, partners and officials. Vocal support has been strong as has the role of those not selected supporting those in the field, or at the crease, with encouragement and drinks.

Post match we were, as always, treated excellently by our hosts. The food provided was certainly amongst the best provided at any club venue. There was an excellent Q&A with Griff Trigg the former Australian bowler with teas of his time with Shane Warne and others.

We look forward to the return series when the Australian 70+ team tour the UK in July and August of 2023. Let’s hope that we can entertain them in an equally splendid way.

Full scorecard Via This Link 

Game 10: Thursday 19/2/23 Victoria Chairman’s XI v England 70+

This game was at Caulfield CC in Melbourne, also the venue for the deciding ODI on the following Sunday.

We were welcomed by Victoria Veterans President Noel Sharpe, who was also captain of his team, who won the toss and elected to field first.

Roget Tidyman (51* retired) and Keith Alexander (47) opened the batting in a steady stand before Alexander was caught off Sharpe, 87-1 after 26.2 overs. Tidyman retired not out at the end of the 27th over with the score on 113. Martin Burgess (3), bowled Dobson making the score 125-2, and then John Evans (44* retired) joined Ian Caunce (50* retired) at the crease and the run rate increased significantly Caunce’s runs coming in 35 balls and Evans in 37 balls.

When Caunce retired at the end of the 39th over the score had moved on to 183-2, Eddie Hill (1) was bowled by Oakford, 190-3, bringing Derek Towe (23) in to bat and after Evans retired with the score 225-3, he continued the raised run rate scoring his runs from 23 balls stumped by Semple off Dobson, 229-4. Brian Shipley 5 off 2 and Ken Jones 9 off 6 took the score to 243-4 from England’s 45 overs.

Once again Eddie Hill (9-0-27-1) and Ken Jones (9-3-18-11) bowled in tandem for the first 18 overs. Hill dismissed Rolland with his 3rd ball sharply stumped down the leg side by Martin Burgess and in his 4th over Jones had Hammett stumped by Burgess with a great piece of leg side keeping taking the ball off the pads, 21-2. At the end of their spells, supported by good fielding, Hill and Jones had constrained the President’s XI’s score to just 47-2 leaving them needing 197 from the remaining 27 overs at a run rate of 7.3 clearly out of reach.

Martin Woodward (7-0-46-1) and Barry Hart7-1-14-1) took up the bowling attack for the next 14 overs. Sharpe was run out with Hill whipping in a quick return to Burgess, 73-3. Hart had Loot caught by Nick Andrews, 87-4, and Woodward had Hancock stumped by Alexander, 97-5.

The next bowling changes brought together Brian Shipley (7-0-15-3) and Martin Southwell (6-3-12-0) further restricting the scoring rate. Pritchard, 50 from 85 balls, having persisted from the fall of the first wicket retired with the score on 111-5. Johnson (14*) retired on 127-5 before Shipley removed three batsmen in each of his next three overs, Dobson lbw,127-6; Oakford bowled, 129-7; and Pascoe lbw to the last ball of the innings 134-9.

England won by 109 runs.

Full scorecard Via This Link

Game 9: Thursday 16/02/2023 Victoria XI v England 70+

The England squad travelled to Benalla for this game. Following the normal acknowledgements of First Nation people and their elders past, present and emerging, the toss was won by the Victoria captain Gibson who elected to bat.

Neville and Hardman, a left-hand right-hand combination and the top two run scorers in the Australia 70+ championships in Tasmania earlier in the year, had an opening stand of 75 against Eddie Hill (7-1-17-0), Ken Jones (5-0-27-0), Trevor Spindler (5-1-15-0) and a three-over for 11 run spell from Martin Southwell (6-0-17-2) before Neville (42) fell lbw to Steve Sheppard (5-1-16-2) at the end of his first and the 21st over, 101-3. Sheppard was then joined by Nick Andrews (6-1-15-0) and in his last over he bowled Hopper, 89-2. Martin Southwell returned for a second three per spell and had Wilson caught Swadkin, 101-3. Brain Shipley (6-0-16-2) took over at one end and bowled Brown, 114-4. Then next over Martin Southwell dismissed opener Hardman (47) due to a superb catch by Martin Woodward, 114-5, then two balls later had White dropped by Nick Andrews who managed to speedily pick up the ball to return it to Martin Burgess who smartly run out Davis, 115-6. John Hall (5-0-118-2) became England’s eighth bowler of the day when he took over from Southwell with the score on 115-6 after 35 overs. In the final 10 overs Hall had Pritchard caught by Ian Caunce, 127-7 then bowled White, 134-8. Shipley had Spear lbw in the penultimate over, 136-9, and the Victoria team ended on 145-9 from their 45 overs.

John Hall (27 from 77 balls) and Roger Tidyman (7 from 19 balls) had to work hard to keep out the bowling attack of Kasputtis and Spear until Tidyman was caught off Spear in the 6th over, 14-1. Hall was joined by Chris Swadkin (7) and they took the score to 33 before walk-in was caught off Costello, 33-2. Ian Caunce (1) took a single off his first ball to keep the strike but well two balls later chipping the ball for a straightforward catch off Davis, 34-3. Hall and Nick Andrews (36) had a stand of 27 before Hall was caught by Kasputtis off Gibson taking the score on to 61-4. Brian Shipley (31) joined Andrews and the latter was eventually bowled by White, 83-5. This brought Eddie Hill (24 from 21) to the crease and they put on 36 from 21 balls before Hill was out bowled by opening bowler Spear, 119-6. Having not scored a run until his 18th ball Shipley batting with Steve Sheppard (5*) scored his 31 from his last 23 balls before he was caught by Davis, 145-7. With one needed to win Ken Jones feathered his first ball to the keeper, 145-8. Martin Burgess having decided he wasn’t going to mess about dropped and ran on his first ball and the England team were home winning by 2 wickets.

Full scorecard Via This Link 

Game 8: Tuesday 14/02/2023 ACT/Southern NSW XI v England 70+

Having squared the series the England party travelled to Canberra where they were entertained along with the following day’s opposition at the residence of the UK High Commissioner Vicki Treadell. Vicki is a keen follower of cricket and had two signed bats on display that had been presented to her. One to commemorate the participation of four cricketing great in an exhibition game was signed by Sachin Tendulkar, Imran Khan, Clive Lloyd and Richard Hadlee.

Having been welcomed to the Chisholm Oval by Murray Harrison and to the lands of the First Nation Ngunnawal peoples by a “smoke Ceremony” conducted by the son of Vic Bulger. Murray Harrison won the toss and elected to bat.

Eddie Hill (9-2-25-1) and Ken Jones (9-5-14-1) bowled very tightly for the first 18 overs in tandem. Jones getting Wadsworth caught behind by Keith Alexander,19-1 and Hill getting Dickinson caught by Derek Towe, 41-2. At the end of their spells after 18 overs the ACT/NSW team were 47-2.

Brian Shipley (9-11-24-1) and Steve Sheppard (9-1-32-22) took over bowling duties. Ken Jones ran out Haling with a direct hit, 61-3 and 9 balls later Sheppard had Bulger stumped, 72-4. Brian Shipley then had Murray Harrison lbw after a cautious 27 from 51 balls, 80-5, before a second stumping by Alexander off Sheppard removed Ledger, 85-6 from 30 overs. With the score on 104-6 bowling moved on to Martin Woodward (5-0-22-1) and Derek Towe (4-0-19-1). Woodward had Paterson caught behind, 127-7, and Towe bowled Moore, 143-8 and with just two more runs added the ACT Southern NSW team ended their 45 overs on 145-8.

The England innings got off to a slow start punctuated by the fall of wickets: Keith Alexander (6) caught by Harrison off Scott, 16-1; Ian Caunce (1) bowled playing across the line by Kitching, 17-2; and Barry Hart (4) lbw to Scott, 29-3.

Roger Tidyman (33) and John Evans (53* retired) had a stand of 50 before Tidyman was bowled by Ledger, 79-4 in the middle of the 23rd over with the run rate near the required rate. Evans was joined by Derek Towe (18*) in an unbroken stand of 48 before Evans retired with the score on 127-4. Towe was joined by Eddie Hill (14* from 10 balls) and together they scored the remaining 22 runs required from 14 balls. England winning by 6 wickets with 10 overs to spare.

John Evans was awarded man of the Match and Ken Jones given the bowling award.

Full scorecard Via This Link

Game 7: Sunday 12/2/2023 Australia v England 70+ 2nd ODI

The game took place at the Coogee Oval in Sydney.
We had been given the “Welcome to Country” which acknowledged the former, current and emerging elders of the Bidjigal and Gadigal First Nation peoples who have been custodians of the land for thousands of years.

We were then also welcomed by representatives of NSW Veterans Cricket. Former Australian test match player Michael Whitney welcomed us to his club and said how much in awe he was that players of both teams were still playing a high standard of the game we love. Something that he said he was unable to do after a hip replacement and nine knee operations including replacement knees.

Chris Swadkin won the toss and elected to bat on what looked a good pitch and quicker outfield than many on which we have played recently.

England soon lost Keith Alexander (5) lbw to Southall with the score on 7. There then followed a long stand in the stifling heat between John Evans (81) and Derek Towe (44), until the latter was out to a very good c&b by Doust, 2 hours and 10 minutes later with the score on 138 in the 33rd over. Ian Caunce (1)  fell quickly bowled by Murray Harrison. Chris Swadkin (36 from 36 balls) joined John Evans for a stand of 27 when, with the score on 166, Evans played what looked like a tired shot after 2 hours and 40 minutes at the crease, to be bowled by Murray Harrison too. Nick Andrews (5) and John Hall (0), 1st ball, both fell to Stackpoole lbw. Swadkin was joined by Steve Sheppard (22) for a stand of 40 from 43 balls. Chris Swadkin was caught by Aussie captain Tom Wood to make the score 213-7 with just 14 balls remaining. Steve Sheppard, Martin Burgess (5) and Martin Woodward (1*) added 10 more to take the score to 223-8 from the 50 overs. This looked like it was worth a good few more runs as the outfield was not as quick as was initially though. This meant that Australia needed to score 224 at a run rate of 4.48 to win.

Australia got off to a slow start with excellent tight bowling from Trevor Spindler (8-0-23-3) and Steve Sheppard (6-0-15-0) so that after 13 overs Australia were 31-2 with both wickets to Spindler, Stackpoole going to an excellent low catch by Keith Alexander and then Petherick bowled shouldering arms to an in-swinger that took the top of off stump, perhaps helped by the gusting wind, much denied by Spindler! In his next over Spindler removed Peter Harrrison caught behind by Martin Burgess making the score 33-3.

Nick Andrews (10-1-26-1) and Martin Southwell (8-0-27-1) the bowled in tandem until the 29th over. Boyd was stumped of Andrews in an excellent display of glove work by Martin Burgess for 3, 62-4; Murray Harrison was bowled by Southwell and when he was replaced by Martin Woodward (7-0-18-2) he had Dedman stumped for 17 in another quick piece of wicket keeping, 99-7 from 33.4 overs. Australia now needed 125 from the remaining 98 balls with the required run rate having climbed to 7.65 per over. Australian wicket keeper Madden was forced to retire injured with 1 ball of the 41st over remaining when the score was on 119-7. Cullen was caught by Swadkin off Woodward two balls later 119-8. John Hall (3.2-0-10-1) had joined Woodward to bowl to the end of the innings and he had Southall also caught by Swadkin to end the innings with Madden unable to return on 121 all out.

England had put the series all square at 1-1 with a very convincing victory by 102 runs.

As has been usual after the match the England party were hosted to an excellent meal. This was just around the corner from the ground in a club on the Promenade, in an upper floor venue with a balcony overlooking Coogee Beach. The Australian’s awarded the England Man of the Match for his decisive knock to John Evans.

Full scorecard Via This Link 

Game 6 : Thursday 9/2/2023 NSW Waratahs v England 70+

Due to be played at Tamworth No.1 Oval, the match was washed out by a heavy shower during the morning that led to the flooding of the square. The selected team was disappointed not to be able to take part in the scheduled day/night match.

We were treated to a great welcome the day before the game was scheduled and taken to a sheep station at Dungowan where we saw a demonstration of shearing and were able to sample examples of their micro-brewery products.

On our return to Tamworth we were taken to see the ground and the floodlights were switched on so that could see what the evening conditions would be. At almost the same time the sprinklers also began to work on what was already a green outfield. 

On Thursday morning we hosted to breakfast at the West Tamworth Rugby League club close to our hotel. We were welcomed by the Tamworth Mayor Russell Webb, a representative of local MP Kevin Anderson. We were each presented with a shirt for the day/night match that evening.

Unfortunately, there was a localised storm with a torrential downpour in the mid morning before we departed to the ground. It was clear when we reached the ground that the match would be unable to take place as the pitch was submerged.

Before the scheduled start of the game we were given a traditional welcome by an elder of the Kamilaroi (Gomeroi) nation who gave an abbreviated tale of two stars that are pointers to the Southern Cross and are guardians who with these magic fires, long pears and boomerangs keep at bay the evil snake from the other side of the universe.

It was a pity that the great amount of work and efforts of many did get the deserved match to complete such a splendid couple of days in Tamworth

Game 5 : Tuesday 7/2/2023 NSW Blues v England 70+

Played at Newcastle No.1 Oval, a former Sheffield Shield Ground which was in tip-top condition and a high quality venue. 

The wicket was good and hard and for the first time on the tour the outfield was fast. To be fair many grounds have grass of courser consistency and the outfields need to be kept longer to protect them from burning. The weather conditions in Newcastle whilst still hot were nowhere near as humid as in Queensland making playing much more pleasurable.

England lost the toss and NSW Blues elected to bat. Good spells from Eddie Hill (5-0-18-0), Ken Jones (6-1-22-0), Steve Sheppard (6.1-1-23-2) who took a very good return catch and Nick Andrews (4-0-9-2) restricted the Blues to 32-0 from the first 10 overs and 71-3 by end of the 20th over. 

England had upped their game in the field, very necessary on the rapid outfield, which together with good field placement and bowling to the field led to the Blues losing wickets regularly to Martin Woodward (8-0-35-2), Martin Southwell (5-1-12-1) and Bart Hart (4-1-6-2) with a run out by Chris Swadkin and the final wicket taken by Steve Sheppard on his 7th ball of his second spell. They NSW Blues ended on what for them was a disappointing 128 all out from 38.1overs.

England began steadily and having had a top edge fall between fielders John Evans (22) scored five well hit 4s in a stand of 32 with Nick Andrews (12). Two quick wickets to England to 44-3 before a stand of 27 between Brian Shipley (6) and Chris Swadkin (47*) took the total to 71-4. Chris in stands of 22 with Barry Hart (7) and 23 with Eddie Hill (14) took England to 116-6 in the 29th over. Supported by Steve Sheppard (5*) Chris Swadkin saw the team home with a sweetly struck 4 in the 31st over

Chris Swadkin was England’s Man of the Match scoring an unbeaten 47 from 60 balls with 7 boundaries.

Peter Harrison was the Blues Man of the Match for his 3-20 bowling after a contribution of 12 with the bat.

Full scorecard Via This Link

Game 4: Sunday 5/2/2023 Australia 70+ v England 70+ 1st ODI

Played at Redland Tigers CC, Birkdale Queensland. England on the toss and elected to bat.

The Australian opening bowlers Southall and Cook started with excellent line and length and after 11 overs England were reduced to 14-2 having lost both John Evans and Roger Tidyman. With the arrival of Derek Towe and Ian Caunce England progressed to 90-2 with a stand of 76 taking the run rate to over 3 per over before Caunce (47) was caught attempting another powerful hit. A stand of 46 by Derek Towe and Chris Swadkin (22) took England on to 136 before Towe (56) fell to. Thereafter England lost wickets regularly but managed to raise the run rate almost to 4 per over ending on 196-8 after 50 overs with Australia’s players looking sharp in the field.

Australia clearly had a target that appeared getable and they began with good running between the wickets picking up singles better than England had. This plus the wickets in hand meant that they always looked comfortable with opener Tom Wood (90) anchoring the innings and who took the initiative from time to time to chip the ball over the infield to score a boundary when necessary to keep the run rate manageable. He was well supported by Petherick (9), O’Meara (15) and Boyd (45*) in stands of 48, 47 and 65 respectively. Australia completed the victory off the last ball of the 49th over to win a close game by 6 wickets. For England the wicket takers were Trevor Spindler (8-0-1-34) who also effected the run out of O’Meara, John Hall (7-0-1-34) and Martin Southwell (10-2-1-32).

Australia played the best cricket on the day. They bowled well at the top of the England innings, looked sharper and more agile in the field and took quick singles better than England had done in their innings. It showed that these games were being played at the end of their season with players in top form.

Still a lot to play for and England need to use the games before the next ODI to sharpen up and play themselves into form for the next two ODIs.

Full scorecard Via This Link

Game 3: President’s XI v England at Maroochydore CC

Maroochydore was the venue of the semi-finals and final of the recent 60+ World Cup. The pitch had some signs of cracking and the outfield whilst firmer than previous grounds it was still quite soft underfoot.We were welcomed by a previous President of Queensland Veterans Kerry Emery and Joe Natoli the local councillor of the Mooloolaba area.

Joe rightly made a point of welcoming us to the territory of the First Nation Gubbi Gubbi people and talked of the need to respect these people and the traditional lands.

Chris Swadkin won the toss and elected to bat first. Once again the match was dominated by bowlers with a few exceptions on each side.

England lost the first three wicket with 1, 17 and 29 on the scoreboard. England progressed steadily if a little slowly until the 30th over. A stand of 95 between Derek Towe (43) and Brian Shipley (52 retired n.o.) took England to 124-3 and it was 159-4 when Derek was bowled. This brought Eddie Hill to the crease and his first ball was driven along the ground straight for 4 showing his intent. With support from other batsmen giving Eddie the strike he hit four 4s and two 6s, the first of any player of any teams on the tour so far, taking him to 50 retired not out with just 3 balls remaining and England to 201-6. Three extras off the final 3 balls took England’s total to 204-7 a more respectable total than looked possible at 30 overs.

The President’s XI response got off to a quick start with Boyd and Stackpoole adding 56 for the first wicket. They reached 113-2 from 30 overs when Stackpoole retired on 43 not out. Both wickets had fallen to Nick Andrews (9-2-17-2) in a spell  that with the support of Barry Hart squeezed the run rate down to below 4 runs per over. Two dangerous batsmen then began to get going, but first Petherick fell lbw to Brian Shipley and with the score on 161-3 in the 38th over Drescher (38 from 28 balls) was taken by an excellent low catch in the deep by Martin Southwell off the bowling of Martin Woodward in what proved to be a key turning point. Up to this point the President’s XI will have fancied their chances to win.

However, this put pressure on the following batters and whilst they needed 44 runs from 43 balls to win they added 28 in the next 31 balls so that they needed 16 from the last two overs. The 44th over bowled by Derek Towe began with him bowling Lambert with his first ball, 189-5. He had Cook lbw with his 3rd ball, 189-6, and bowled Copdock with his 4th delivery, 189-7. Steve Sheppard then produced an excellent pick up and throw to run out Kratzmann 189-8. Still needing 16 runs the President’s XI added 3 runs from the first 4 balls of the final over and then a good throw from the deep by Martin Southwell resulted in the run out of Chapman, 192-9,  and with 12 runs needed from the final ball Stackpoole did not return to the crease so the President’s XI final all out total of 192 was 12 runs short.

Full scorecard Via This Link

Game 2: South-East Queensland Regional XI v England at Caboolture CC

Full England squad

Caboolture CC’s ground was extremely well appointed with a lush green outfield completely free of weeds but, apparently like many clubs in the area, only a small hand-adjusted scoreboard was available. The wicket was hard but with a good covering of grass which meant there was some sideways movement and occasional uneven bounce.

The opposition was stronger than in game 1 with three of the players involved already selected for the Australia team to play England in the 1st ODI at game 4. 

They had two good opening bowlers and England having been inserted lost their opening batsmen fairly early. Roger Tidyman (15) and Ian Caunce (17) stabilised the innings making good looking contributions but lost their wickets when they were just getting on top of the bowling. When they were both out it brought together John Hall and Derek Towe, the later rightly adjudged England’s Man of the Match after scoring 58 not out followed by two good catches, one that was outstanding causing the opposition to say such catches shouldn’t be seen in 70+ cricket. He was well supported by John Hall (32) in a stand of 75 for 4th wicket and England posted a total of 160-9.

John Evans marshalled the attack well with good fielding placement and England’s bowlers constrained the opposition. All bowlers contributed either to squeezing the opposition by accurate bowling and/or regular taking of wickets, Figures were: Trevor Spindler (9-1-22-2); Ed Hill (5.1-1-13-1), who took a stunning low return catch; Ken Jones (7-2-17-1); Martin Southwell (9-1-33-3);  John Hall (6-1-22-0) and Martin Woodward (6-1-26-1) again supported by a good and improved fielding performance getting England over the line by bowling out the SE Queensland Regional team for 138 to a second win this time by 22 runs.

Full scorecard Via This Link This also has a link to open the livestream video of the game. Click on the “Play Arrow” to open a YouTube window. We hope that this will be a feature of all future games.

Game 1: Sunshine Coast Regional XI v England at Gympie CC



Gympie is a former mining town which was significantly flooded in 2022. The ground was under 20m of flooding twice and a lower third flood.

The touring Party was welcomed by Russell Bennett a “Custodian of this country” as a First Nation member who conducted a “Smoking Ceremony” during which we were invited to waft smoke over ourselves to ensure we had the good spiritual support of the ancestors, then we were able to enjoy a First Nation welcoming song.

The match was played on a wicket that enabled both teams bowlers to be on top of batsmen. This was somewhat enhanced by a very spongy outfield that meant that shots pulled up quickly causing run outs for both teams.

The format of the game was for each team’s innings to be split into two sections of 23 overs then 22 overs with the playing of each section in turn much to the dismay of both scorers whose my.cricket or play-cricket software failed to cope with the format.

England played their first 23 overs and made 56-3, really tight bowling by England then restricted the Sunshine Coast team to 33-5. Trevor Spindler (6-3-7-1), Steve Sheppard (8-1-16-0), John Hall (5-1-4-0) and Martin Southwell (9-1-22-3) supported by good fielding squeezed the Sunshine Coast team so that England led by 23 at the mid way break.

After lunch, in the second batting period, England took their total to 131 all out. Chris Swadkin top scored with 38 not out, supported by 22 each from Nick Andrews and John Hall with a final flurry of 13 from Martin Burgess. TThe Sunshine Coast team ended up 20 runs short due to a well squeezed second section in which Martin Woodward (7.4-2-27-4) returned best bowling figures for the match when the Sunshine Coast were 111 all out.

John Hall was accorded England’s Man of the Match for his stylish 22 after his tight spell of bowling.

Full scorecard Via This Link

17/01/2023

England Cricket Seniors 70s+ / 2023 County Squad Recommendations
After taking on the Australians in their own back yard in Jan/Feb we host them here in August where we play three Silver Ashes internationals.
The development of an England 70+ squad for those three games starts now with a call for county representatives and captains to put names forward for a series of trial matches to be run early in the season, starting with a game against the champions Kent on 27th April.
Over the past couple of years, a series of trial matches has enabled over 60 county players to participate in the selection process. What the selectors would like to concentrate on now is players who are just becoming available for 70s cricket. This is our criteria:

  • Have you any players born in 1953 who you feel meet the criteria for England consideration? It is likely that such players will have a history of consistent runs/wickets in the 60+ 1st XI competition over the years and been contenders for England 60+ selection.
  • Nominated players should be fit and mobile.
  • Please check with players you intend to nominate that they want to be part of the selection process and will be willing to travel to games which on occasion might be some distance from home.
  •  No one nominated to the selectors in 2021 needs to be re-nominated.
  • To be clear therefore no one selected for the England 70+ squad in 2022 and/or the tour to Australia in early 2023 needs to be nominated again as they will be included in the process by default.

Please note, I am away with the England 70+ Squad in Australia from 24th Jan to the end of February. It would be helpful therefore if counties could send me their trialist recommendations during the first week of March.

Many thanks and best regards

Chris

Chris Lowe
England Cricket Seniors 70+
Team Manager

Email address: [email protected]

England Cricket Seniors 70+ Tour of Australia 2023

The Itinerary

Taking in three ODIs and eight regional/representative games starting on the Sunshine Coast, two hours or so up the east coast from Brisbane, then down to Newcastle, across to Tamworth and down again to Sydney. Back on the road after an ODI there and off to Canberra and Melbourne with more games on the way and the final ODI on the 21st February.

GameDateOppositionVenueResult
129/01/2023Regional XIKeith Manthey Oval, Gympie CCWon by 20 Runs
231/01/2023Brisbane XICaboolture CC, MorayfieldWon by 22 Runs
302/02/2023President’s XIMaroochydore CC, BuderimWon by 12 Runs
405/02/20231st ODIRedland Tigers CC BirkdaleLost by 6 Wickets
507/02/2023New South Wales BluesNewcastleWon by 4 Wickets
609/02/2023NSW WaratahsTamworth No1 OvalMatch Cancelled
712/02/20232nd ODIGoogee Oval, SydneyWon by 102 Runs
814/02/2023ACT / Southern NSW XIChisholm Oval, CanberraWon by 6 Wickets
916/02/2023VictoriaRose Bowl Ground, BenallaWon by 2 Wickets
1019/02/2023Victoria Chairman’s XICaulfield Oval, MelbourneWon by 109 Runs
1121/02/20233rd ODICaulfield Oval, MelbourneWon by 8 Wickets

We will be keeping everyone up to date with events and places via these pages throughout the trip.

The Squad

Captain: Chris Swadkin of Kent
Vice-Captain: John Evans of Gloucestershire

Keith Alexander MiddlesexEddie HillWorcestershire
Martin Burgess SussexIan CaunceLancashire
Martin SouthwellEssexSteve SheppardSomerset
Barry HartSurreyMartin WoodwardWorcestershire
John HallSurreyDerek ToweKent
Nick AndrewsCambridgeshireTrevor SpindlerBerks & Bucks
Brian ShipleyBerks & BucksKen JonesSuffolk
Roger TidymanSussex  

Officials:
Manager: Chris Lowe – Berks & Bucks
Umpire: Kevin Beaumont – Berks & Bucks
Scorer: James Cato – Gloucestershire
Photographer: Andy Parkyn – Shropshire

2022

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England 70+ News Page

17/11/2022

Selection for England 60+ and 70+

The place of the England 60+ and 70+ teams has always been to provide a pinnacle for senior cricketers to aspire to by offering the opportunity to represent their country as their cricket playing days draw to a close.  This principle has been strongly to the fore this year as the International Committee has sought to rebuild the 60+ and 70+ England playing programmes post pandemic.  

At this year’s 60s World Cup a Rest of the World team was created to enable a 12 team tournament to go ahead. A majority of the ROW players were from England. The World Cup committee has now agreed that a ROW XI should remain as a constituent part with the explicit aim of encouraging seniors cricket to develop in other countries which can’t as yet support an individual team in the competition.

We support the aim to grow seniors cricket in other countries and form a ROW XI of players from such countries. However we understand that at the moment finding such players will be difficult and so the ROW plan to continue to select English players to fill gaps in their squad.  This creates a problem for the concept of England selection forming the tip of the pyramid. In that situation England qualified players could be playing for 2 different International teams and this clearly runs the risk of diluting the primacy of the England team.

To avoid any misunderstandings on its position, the International Committee has decided that should players represent the Rest of the World XI in a tournament which also includes other national teams who are part of the 60+ World Cup organising committee they would not be considered for selection in the long list of England squad players (currently standing at 34) for a period of two years. This policy would apply to future England players who reach the qualifying age and would also be applied to eligibility for the England 70+ team.

As is common throughout cricket from ICC downward, no player can be eligible or play for 2 countries simultaneously and this policy is in line with the guidelines being developed by other participants in the 60+ World Cup (eg Canada;  USA and West Indies) with potential dual nationality players).

To be clear this policy does not stop any player from joining any other overseas tours whatever the banner that team plays under. It solely applies to World Cups and other tournaments in which  national teams participate and so includes, for example the Carib Cup arranged for this winter. 10/09/2022

England Cricket Seniors 70+ Tour of Australia 2023 We are pleased to announce the itinerary and playing squad for next February’s tour down under.

The Itinerary

Taking in three ODIs and eight regional/representative games starting on the Sunshine Coast, two hours or so up the east coast from Brisbane, then down to Newcastle, across to Tamworth and down again to Sydney. Back on the road after an ODI there and off to Canberra and Melbourne with more games on the way and the final ODI on the 21st February.

GameDateOppositionVenue
129/01/2023Regional XIKeith Manthey Oval, Gympie CC
231/01/2023Brisbane XICaboolture CC, Morayfield
302/02/2023President’s XIMaroochydore CC, Buderim
405/02/20231st ODIRedland Tigers CC Birkdale
507/02/2023New South Wales BluesNewcastle No1 Oval
609/02/2023NSW WaratahsTamworth
712/02/20232nd ODIGoogee Oval, Sydney
814/02/2023ACT / Southern NSW XICanberra
916/02/2023VictoriaRose Bowl Ground, Benalla
1019/02/2023Victoria Chairman’s XIMelbourne
1121/02/20233rd ODIMelbourne

We will be keeping everyone up to date with events and places via these pages throughout the trip.

The Squad

Captain: Chris Swadkin of Kent
Vice-Captain: John Evans of Gloucestershire

Keith Alexander MiddlesexEddie HillWorcestershire
Martin Burgess SussexIan CaunceLancashire
Martin SouthwellEssexSteve SheppardSomerset
Barry HartSurreyMartin WoodwardWorcestershire
John HallSurreyDerek ToweKent
Nick AndrewsCambridgeshireTrevor SpindlerBerks & Bucks
Brian ShipleyBerks & BucksDavid BartholomewLancashire
Roger TidymanSussexKen JonesSuffolk

Officials:
Manager: Chris Lowe – Berks & Bucks
Umpire: Kevin Beaumont – Berks & Bucks
Scorer: James Cato – Gloucestershire
Photographer: Andy Parkyn – Shropshire

19/07/2022

England 70s v Wales 70s International – Match Report Played on 17th July at Stourport-on-Severn CC

With a couple of injury related drop outs from the initially selected team, including Chris Swadkin the captain, the England side to play Wales in this international now included Ian Harvey from Berks & Bucks and Keith Alexander from Middlesex with Martin Woodward from Worcestershire taking over the captaincy for the day.
Due to high temperatures the match was reduced to 40 overs a side.
There is one thing a new captain can do to make himself popular on a hot day and Martin duly did that by winning the toss and opting to bat. The sigh of relief from the home dressing room soon subsided at the mention of a warm-up session.
Warm-up and stretches done, fielding practice over, England caps were presented to five new international players:

  • Ian Harvey, Roger Tidyman, John Evans, Ed Hill and Steve Sheppard



The England 70s team to play Wales on 17th July

England Innings

The plan was to put the bowling side under pressure by taking quick singles and put away bad balls, but Wales had a plan of their own and took the early initiative when Peter Betteley had Keith Daniels caught close in by Andy Simpson.
That though was the only success Wales had for some time as a cultured and dominant knock by Sussex skipper Roger Tidyman (70) was slightly put in the shade by Ian Caunce who blasted 158 off 101 balls including 24 x 4s and 4 x 6s.

Ian’s 158 is the record indivual score by any England Seniors batsmen – at 50+, 60+ and 70+ levels.

Wales in turn stuck to their task on a large, fast, outfield on a hot afternoon, they were rewarded with the wickets of Tidyman, lbw to Andy Simpson and Caunce, caught behind by Ryland Wallace again off Simpson.
The running in the outfield did not stop there however as Gloucestershire skipper John Evans (66 not out) maintained bowler pressure and together with Keith Alexander (13 not out) the Middlesex captain took the England total to 315 for 3 off 40 overs.
Pick of the Wales bowlers was Peter Betteley with 1 for 38 from his 8 overs.

Wales Innings

Peter Allen (30 retired not out) and Gwyn Price (40) set about the Wales response against a tight England attack supported in general by some tidy ground fielding. That said a number of catches were dropped throughout the Wales innings, an area where there is room for improvement.
When Allen retired his innings and Price was neatly stumped by Tommy Stafford off Mike Kenyon only Laurence Harris (36) was able to sustain much resistance before being bowled by skipper for the day Martin Woodward
A late flurry of runs from Mike Cockell (16) and Paul Mahoney (15 not out) took the Wales score to 154 for 4 which gave England a win by 161 runs.
Nick Andrews took 2 for 25 from his 7 overs, Ian Harvey had a tight spell with just 10 runs coming from his 5 overs and Mike Kenyon bowled his 7 overs for 18 taking 1 wicket.

Our thanks go to the Wales team and committee for hosting us in Newport and for travelling up for the game at Stourport.
Thanks also to Stourport-on-Severn CC for hosting England at their excellent ground and for being the most welcoming of clubs.
The game was umpired for England by Chris Taylor and scored by Martin Mudway, we thank them both for their help and support.

01/07/2022

The England 70s team to play Wales 70s at Stourport-on-Seven CC in a full fifty overs a side international starting at 12.30pm on Sunday July 17th is:

Chris Swadkin (Capt) – Kent
Roger Tidyman – Sussex
Keith Daniels – Gloucestershire
John Evans – Gloucestershire
Ian Caunce – Lancashire
Dereck Towe – Kent
Nick Andrews – Cambridgeshire
Ed Hill – Worcestershire
Steve Sheppard – Somerset
Mike Kenyon – Yorkshire
Martin Woodward – Worcestershire
Tommy Stafford (Wk) – Yorkshire

14/06/2022

England 70s Squad v Chairman’s Select at Stourport-on-Severn CC on Sunday 12th June

As part of the continuing process of selection for an international match against Wales in July and a proposed tour of Australia early in 2023 members of the England 70s squad plus some invited guests faced each other in a Chairman’s match at the well appointed Stourport ground in what turned out to be a well balanced contest.

Batting first the England Squad got away to a lively start as Ian Caunce (52 retired) then Derek Towe (50 retired) worked hard to wrestle the initiative from the Chairman’s bowlers. Opening bowler Ian Harvey found a good length to finish his spell with 1 for 29 off 9 overs and Nick Andrew was just as effective with 1 for 23 off 8. The England innings then rather fell away as only John Mountain,25, could manage any fluidity against a very competitive opposition with the innings closing on what seemed a slightly below par of 200 for 4.

In response Roger Tidyman (44) and fellow opener Keith Alexander (46) set about laying a foundation on which the Chairman’s team could build, Nick Andrews (29) kept the momentum going before Chris Swadkin (51 retired), the Chairman, gave the innings the boost it needed to set up the win with just ten balls to go.

Steve Sheppard with 1 for 23 off 9 overs and Martin Southwell 2 for 24 off 6 were the pick of the England Squad bowlers on the day.

Our thanks to Stourport-on-Severn CC for their hospitality and superb facilities.

02/05/2022

England 70s Squad trial games report

Game One v Surrey

The first of the three planned England 70s squad trial matches in 2022 was played against the 2021 Champions Surrey at the superb facilities of Chipstead & Coulsdon CC on Thursday 21st April. 

The England squad XI comprised of predominantly southern based players failed to find their early season form and succumbed to a strong Surrey side. Batting first, England opted for retirement at 50 to ensure more batsmen were given an opportunity to impress and were dismissed for 235; retirements at 50 for Chris Swadkin and Stuart Bulger and 34 from Dom Ingram the main contributors. 

Against some rusty, early season bowling Surrey made short work of this target with an opening stand of 154 between Andy Peters (100 retired) and John Hall 57, followed by a rapid 50* from Graeme Howgate.  

Game Two v Wales
 
An England squad team drawn mainly from West & Midlands players took on Wales in another trial match at the marvellous facilities provided by Newport CC on Thursday 28th April.
Batting first Wales found the England squad bowlers difficult to get away as a tight line and length was maintained throughout which together with a disciplined fielding display kept the home side down to 164 for 7 off their 45 over.
Mike Staddon with 33 was the leading Wales run scorer whilst John Hall took 3 for 26 to lead the way for the England squad in the field.
Despite an accurate 9 over spell from Ron Walton the England squad openers Keith Daniels and Roger Tidyman were able mix the occasional aggressive shot with quickly spotted and taken singles to keep the scoreboard moving. Having lost Daniels for 32 and upon Tidyman’s retirement at 53 John Evans and Ian Caunce took control with the latter taking the England squad over the line with a signature 6 over long on

The England 70s International selection process now moves on to the Chairman’s game at Stourport CC on Sunday June 12th when squad players based in the north will participate. Teams for this game will be announced on 22nd May with selection being based upon early season form and recent past performances.

07/04/2022

England 70s Squad 2022 update

After 2021’s exhaustive selection process, including three trial matches, a group of 27 players now make up the England 70s squad to play a number of games during the upcoming season. The first three games are squad games whilst the final game against Wales will see a team selected from the squad for a full international fixture.
Teams have been selected so as to minimise travel with the teams shown below being drawn from southern based players and the team to be confirmed in May for the Chairman’s game to be drawn, in the main, from those based in the north.
Fixtures are:
Surrey at Chipstead CC on 21st April
Wales at Newport CC on 28th April
Chairman’s team at Stourport CC 12th June
Wales at Stourport on 17th July – This is a full international

Squad teams for the first two games are:

England 70s Squad v Surrey 70s 21st April – Chris Lowe Capt – Berks & Bucks – Ian Watson – Hampshire – Neil Hames – Suffolk – Stuart Bulger – Hertfordshire – Chris Swadkin – Kent – Derek Towe – Kent – Dominic Ingram – Hertfordshire – Keith Alexander Wk – Middlesex – Ian Harvey – Berks & Bucks – Nick Andrews – Cambridgeshire – Martin Southwell – Essex – Trevor Spindler – Berks & Bucks  England 70s Squad v Wales 70s 28th April – Barry Hart Capt – Surrey – Roger Tidyman – Sussex – Keith Daniels – Gloucestershire – John Evans – Gloucestershire – Ian Caunce – Lancashire – John Hall – Surrey – Dave Freeman – Surrey – John Turton – Gloucestershire – Steve Sheppard – Somerset – Ed Hill – Worcestershire – Martin Burgess Wk – Sussex – Martin Woodward – Worcestershire  

4/10/2021

ENGLAND OVER 70s TRIALS Update

England 70+ Cricket Update Despite no International matches being possible this season, 3 successful trial matches were played to help assess who the leading candidates for selection might be should International matches be possible again in 2022. The response from players all over the country to the trials was superb; the commitment to travel long distances and buy in to the idea of ensuring all participants had a chance to perform was really appreciated. As a result we were able to see close to 50 players in action over the 3 matches.

The first match took place at Wellington CC for predominantly North and Midlands players. In a 45 over match the “North” team batted first scoring 198-6 with Ian Caunce; Steve Yates and Dave Bartholomew the leading run scorers. Martin Woodward with 3 wickets the most successful bowler. In reply the Midlands could only muster 142-4 (with some retirements) as the North bowlers proved naggingly accurate. A late flurry from Andrew Wingfield-Digby with 42 no.

The second trial match at Swindon on 23rd August featured Southern based players and resulted in a 17 run win for the South West (203) vs South East (186). Gloucester players to the fore – Evans & Daniels with the bat and John Turton with the ball whilst other notable batting performances came from Roger Tidyman; Ian Watson & Stuart Bulger.

The final match at Great Oakley on 8th September included players unavailable for the first 2 matches; some coming back from injury and others who have come to the fore during the season. Despite 30s (retired) from Ian Harvey and Paul Mustoe, The “Blues” were contained to 132-9 off 45 overs with Eddie Hill; Nick Andrews and Steve Sheppard recording excellent figures and the “Reds” passed this total in the 35th over for the loss of 4 wickets.

We now turn to thoughts of arranging a match programme in 2022 where England Caps can be awarded – either versus Australia should travel be possible or versus domestic opposition and will report on this when more information is available.

ENGLAND OVER 70s TRIALS PROGRAMME

Although the plans to play Australia home and away in 2021 had to be dropped, we remain keen to keep the England 70+ team concept alive and in any case need to plan ahead so that we have a good idea of the make up of a possible England squad should International matches be possible in 2022.

Consequently we have organised 3 trial matches in August/September after the 70+ Group games have finished to help assess possible candidates for selection for England 70s. We have a list of nominations from Counties and have also added some other candidates on advice from valued scouts around the country. 

The 3 matches are:
Wednesday 11th August at Wellington CC for North and Midlands
Monday 23rd August at Swindon CC for South West and South East.
Wednesday 8th September at Great Oakley to include players who could not make their earlier trial and those we would like to see more of.

In selecting the trial teams we have taken into account the eligibility criteria for Internationals in 2022 which mean that anyone born in 1952 can be selected. Hence some of the invitations to the trials will be for players who have yet to reach the magic 70th birthday.  

All the matches will be 50 overs per side, played competitively as we try to replicate the conditions for International matches but with some restrictions on batsmen and bowlers to give as many players as possible the chance to impress.

We will post the teams for each match on the website nearer the date for each match.  

2018

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70+ Internationals 2018

3rd ODI  England v Australia at Sutton CC on Monday 27th August.

With both sides having won one game, the third ODI at Sutton CC promised to be a real thriller and so it turned out.  Australia won the toss and J Petherick immediately decided to bowl first on a green, but firm dry track following heavy rain the previous day.
The England openers, Micky Swain and Andy Barnes, opened steadily against the pace attack of Tim Ron  Kasputis and rotated the strike well to put 34 on the board after 10 overs.  Unable to make a breakthrough Australia introduced C Cooke and R Edmunds into the attack.  The 50 came up in the 14th over with England looking very solid.  Smith and Pooley joined the attack as Australia struggled for a breakthrough.  After 20 overs the score was 71.
In the 24th over Smith had Swain,, who was struggling with a hamstring strain, well caught by T Wood for a solid 41 with the score 83 for 1.  Chris Swadkin joined Barnes and England stepped up a gear with some positive batting and running, and the hundred came up in the 29th over.  Wood, who had joined the attack, then caught and bowled Swadkin for 21 with the total on 120 to bring Peter Crees to the wicket.  With the score on 133 Wood then bowled Barnes for an excellent 60. Malcolm Wright joined Crees who played some glorious shots to race to 23 with five boundaries before he was tragically run out in suicidal fashion trying for an unnecessary second run with the score now 153 for 4 in the 36th over.
Martin Hall joined Wright and with some very sharp singles and aggressive batting they passed 200 in the 43rd over as Australia desperately rotated their bowling to try and contain the England batsmen.  In all, ten different bowlers were tried with little success.
With the score on 222 in the 46th over Kasputis was brought back into the attack and he bowled Wright for an entertaining 23. This brought Barry Hart to the wicket, Hall was caught by Hamman off Kasputis for a very aggressive 47 in 37 balls with the score 231 for 6. Colin Breed joined Hart and they took the final score to 251 from 50 overs; an impressive total.
Pick of the bowlers was R Kasputis who took 2 for 22 from 7 overs.

With the wicket having dried out during the morning session but runs on the board, the England opening bowler Trevor Spindler immediately hit a good length and his third ball, a beautiful in swinging delivery, had Tom Wood plumb LBW without scoring.  1 for 1. This brought the Australian captain and danger man Ian Petherick to the wicket to join the prolific John Stackpoole. Colin Breed opened at the other end and, with both bowlers getting a lot of movement,  both batsman batted.  In the 7th over with the score on 24 John Stackpoole who was struggling to get the ball away was very well caught by Swain at short extra off Spindler for 7.  24 for 2.
Alan Reid joined Petherick and after 10 overs Australia was 42 for two with Barry Hart replacing Breed. The Australians were now scoring at a run a ball,  matching the England scoring rate until Petherick took 14 from one over and the score at 20 overs was 91 for 2.  Spindler had bowled an excellent spell taking 2 for 29 from his 10 overs.
At this stage England introduced their two spin bowlers Martin Woodward and Phil Taylor who managed to slow the scoring rate, and Peter Crees then joined the attack in the 28th over.   After 30 overs Australia were on 143 for 2 and things were looking ominous as they were ahead of the scoring rate with wickets in hand.  In the 32nd over however, Reid was well stumped by Martin Burgess for  56.  Petherick was on 83 not out.
This brought Stirling Hamman to the wicket and England immediately brought Woodward back on.  After 40 overs Australia were 188 for 3 and pressure was building as Petherick reached his century and was looking very assured. Taylor was brought back and he immediately had Hammond LBW playing across the line for 16 with the score now 189 for 4.
Tim Spear joined Petherick and he played a few lusty blows until in the 45th over with the score on 216 for 5 he was run out by Hart for 13.  Australia were now behind the scoring rate and the pressure of the runs on the board was beginning to show on the Australians as incoming batsman Ray Edmunds tried to take the attack to England, but only succeeded in steepling Taylor to short midwicket where Woodward held on to a difficult catch to dismiss him for 3 with the score on 222 for 6 in the 47th over.  Phil Smith came to the wicket but was caught and bowled by Woodward for 1 to leave Australia on 232 for 7 after 48 overs.
With two overs to go and 20 runs needed and Breed bowling the game was on a knife-edge as Petherick was still at the crease on 127.  Petherick managed to score 13 from the over to take the score to 246 with one over left and 6 runs needed to win.
Barry Hart stepped up to the plate. Colin Cooke, who was batting down the order because of an injury, took a single off the second ball  but then Petherick was well caught at short midwicket by Colin Breed as he skied the ball attempting to get the boundary for an outstanding 140.  With 5 runs to win required from three balls Hart bowled two dot balls.
4 runs were required from the last ball to tie the game and 5 to win. Cooke wound himself up to unleash an enormous straight drive which appeared to be sailing over the top of deep long on substitute Stuart Bulger who was positioned right on the boundary.  As a hush descended over the ground the ball did not quite carry over Bulger’s head and he took a superb catch to give England victory.

It was a superb game of cricket and a real team effort from England with every player making a contribution to the win.

Thanks must go to Sutton CC for their marvellous hospitality and catering and to the groundsman for producing such a good wicket in difficult circumstances.

21/08/2018

The following side has been selected to represent England in the 3rd ODI on Monday 27th August at Sutton CC.

The address for the ground is Gander Green Lane,Sutton, Surrey, SM1 2EH.

Players are requested to be at the ground for 10.00 am.for Nets/warmup.

M  Swain  Capt, C  Swadkin, A Barnes, M Wright. B Hart, P Crees
M Hall, M Burgess  Wk, C Breed, P Taylor, M Woodward, T Spindler

13th Man
S Bulger

Standby
B Phillips, P Betteley

17/08/2018

2nd ODI ENGLAND 70+ v AUSTRALIA 70+
Friday 17th August at Horsham CC

England 271-2; (A.Barnes 116 (ret); C.Swadkin 62*; M.Swain 50 (ret)

Australia 249-9 (M.Woodward 4-36; P.Crees 3-62)

The England Over 70s team bounced back from defeat at Banbury with a hard fought win in the 2nd ODI at Horsham, setting up a series decider at Sutton on 27th August. 

After heavy rain the day before, water had seeped under the match pitch covers, and so the pitch was switched to a dryer surface but Mike Swain still decided to bat first. Andy Barnes joined Swain as his opening partner for this match and they created a base for the innings by seeing off the new ball successfully. Although the score had only reached 39 at the first drinks break after 17 overs, England were well placed to accelerate and Barnes in particular stepped up the tempo with Swain anchoring the innings at the other end.
Aided by the most unlikely occurrence (for an Australian team) of multiple dropped catches, the first wicket partnership passed 100 and then 150 before Swain had to retire on 50 with a hamstring problem with the score on 163, just before Barnes reached a magnificent century. Malcolm Wright did not last long but Chris Swadkin then joined Barnes and they took the score to 210 before Barnes retired on 116. Martin Hall joined Swadkin for the last 6 overs and they took full advantage of a flagging bowling and fielding side to add 61 in that time, Swadkin chancing his arm to reach 62* off 40 balls and Hall 21 from 15 to end the innings on 271.

This  total may have seemed impressive but the quality of the batting conditions was soon on show as the Aussie openers tucked in to the new ball and had the 50 up inside 9 overs. It was time to slow the scoring rate and Barry Hart (1-43) and Colin Breed  (1-38) achieved just that. Bowling their 10 over spells in tandem, they ensured the required rate started to climb and for good measure removed both openers – Stackpoole to a superb catch by skipper Mike Swain and Wood (on 63) brilliantly stumped off a wide by Martin Burgess.
Martin Woodward and Peter Crees then took over and continued in the same vein – Woodward took the vital wicket of Aussie skipper Ian Petherick via another smart Swain catch and Crees had both Reid (on 48) and Hamman stumped by Sussex colleague Burgess. 2 LBWs in an over from Woodward then put England firmly in the driving seat and victory was sealed by 22 runs.

An excellent all round bowling and fielding performance to back up the batting effort, to send England into the final match in good heart. 

12/08/2018

The following team has been selected for the 2nd ODI at Horsham CC this Friday.
The address is Cricket Field Road,Horsham Sussex, RH12 1TE.

M  Swain  Capt.
C  Swadkin
A Barnes
M Wright
B Hart
P Crees
M Hall
M Burgess  Wk.
C Breed
S Bulger
M Woodward
T Spindler

Standby
B Phillips
P Betteley

08/08/2018

1st ODI ENGLAND 70+ v AUSTRALIA 70+
Wednesday 8th August at Banbury XX CC

Having been thrashed in their previous fixture, the Australians returned to Banbury to contest the 1st ODI. Opting to bat they made a disastrous start with Tom Wood being run out in the first over.  John Stackpole made a fluent 35 before being caught behind off Trevor Spindler and then Phil Taylor claimed the key wicket of Ian Petherick, bowling him for 14. Alan Reid and Stirling Hamman added a patient 57 before Reid was bowled by Peter Crees. Martin Woodward then dismissed Hamman and Roger Edmunds leaving the visitors 160-6 from 43 overs but the lower order flourished and at the 50 over mark the total had reached 205-7.

England struggled early on in their reply, stumbling to 26-3 from twelve overs with Ron Kasputtis picking up skipper Micky Swain, Bob Phillips for a 19 ball duck and Chris Swadkin. Malcolm Wright and Barry Hart then lead a spirited recovery adding 61 before they fell in consecutive overs leaving the hosts 91-5 from 27 overs. Peter Crees and Martin Burgess took the score to 170 before Peter was bowled meaning England needed 32 from 7 overs; this was reduced to 19 from 4 overs when Martin was eighth out. Phil Taylor and Martin Woodward took the score to 193 before the latter was run out leaving the last pair needing 13 from three overs.  Unfortunately the next two overs yielded just a single run and a gallant effort fell short leaving Australia to scrape home by 5 runs.

Thanks go to Banbury XX for providing excellent hospitality for the two games; the next ODI is at Horsham on Friday 17th August.

Australia 70+ 205-7 (Stirling Hamman 43, Martin Woodward 2-43)
England 70+ 200-9 (Malcolm Wright 48, Barry Hart 45, Ron Kasputtis 3-14)
Australia 70+ won by 5 runs
Man of the Match – Ron Kasputtis

06/08/2018

CHAIRMAN’S XI v AUSTRALIA 70+ – Monday 6th August at Banbury XX CC

Micky Swain won an important toss on a hot and humid day in North Oxfordshire and, to the relief of the team, elected to bat.  Openers Miles Rawlings and Ted Levey batted steadily against a useful Aussie attack and put on 85 together before Ted was bowled in the 21st over.  Local batsman Tom Moffatt joined Miles and they added a further 58 runs before Miles was run out. Trevor Knowles was soon stumped but Tom and Stuart Bulger batted through to the end adding 78 and guiding the Chairman’s team to a 45 over total of 222-3.
The visitors made a rapid start in reply reaching 46 in 9 overs before Wavell McPherson was run out; this brought skipper and star batsman Ian Petherick to the crease. He soon lost John Stackpole LBW to Buddy Langford and when Chris Tucker and Andy Parkyn started bowling in tandem the home side began to get on top. When Petherick fell to Andy’s penultimate delivery and a second run out occurred two runs later the Chairman’s XI had the Australians reeling at 157-7. However, opening bowler Tim Spear struck a defiant 43 before becoming the ninth man out at 202. The last pair added 19 and when Buddy started his last over they needed just two runs for victory. After five dot balls the Aussies attempted a sharp single (or at least one of them did!) and with both batsmen stranded at the keepers end the run out was completed to give the Chairman’s XI victory by a single run.
Thanks to Banbury XX for providing an excellent track and sumptuous catering; things bode well for the 1st ODI there on Wednesday.

Chairman’s XI 222-3 (Tom Moffatt 62*, Miles Rawlings 58, Ted Levey 37, Stuart Bulger 34*)
Australia 70+ 221 ao (Andy Parkyn 2-24, Chris Tucker 2-43)
Man of the Match – Tom Moffatt

03/08/2018

Norfolk / Suffolk Combined vs Australia – Friday 3rd August

Australia Over 70’s made it three wins in a row with victory over a combined Norfolk and Suffolk side at Fakenham yesterday.

Looking every inch professional, the tourists resplendent in their uniformed shirts and shorts were into an extensive warm up routine as the home side could only watch.

Aussie skipper Stirling Hammond had no hesitation in batting when given the choice by Geoff Saunders and from the start showed positive intent. The home side found bowling difficult on a batting pitch well prepared by the Fakenham groundsman and it was no surprise when Tim Ward became the first batsmen to retire at the mandatory 50 run point. The introduction of both David Powell and Peter Knight provided both a reduction in the run rate and the first wicket as the Australian batsmen struggled against bowlers who took the pace off the ball. David Powell’s figures of 9-1-0-24 were to eventually win him the home team’s man of the match but more importantly, it brought the East Anglian team back into the game. For the first time in over 70’s cricket, the DRS system was used following the dismissal of an Australian batsmen for lbw. Jacko was adamant that the ball had hit pad before bat and the umpire agreed however, the appeal was withdrawn after it was agreed by both the square leg umpire and three or four players that it was in fact bat first. To add insult to injury this batsman became the second Australian to retire. Stirling Hammond fell to a diving catch, well held by Bruce Tomlinson off Jacko’s bowling ( bringing a smile to his face as he declared it was his 100th wicket since playing for Norfolk). The Australians were pushing for a large total but the introduction of Rick Walters saw two wickets fall to the man derogatory referred to as a ‘Pie chucker) for just 6 runs from his two overs. 245-4 from 45 overs as the innings closed.

It was immediately apparent post the tea break that the Australians possessed a formidable opening attack with the wicket keeper standing well back . Kasputis at one end and Spear at the other had both openers wishing they had worn thigh pads. Kasputis was fast but Spear was even quicker. It’s fair to say that no Over 70s player has faced bowlers of this pace in the National Championship since its inception.
Runs were difficult to come by as a result of both the line the bowlers were sticking to and the sharpness in the field by the visitors. 15 -1, 30-2 then 30-3 as three left handlers had all perished, however Dougie Andrews was hanging in like a limpet. Dewson joined Andrews and again the DRS system was used when Dewson was adjudged out lbw in the same circumstances as had occurred during the Australian innings. Once again the appeal was withdrawn and the batsman resumed his innings. Both Dewson and Andrews retired having reached 35 and 37 respectively . Jacko retired hurt and the innings ended on 127-6.

Whilst the margin of defeat was huge, it was a game enjoyed by all and played in the best spirits. This Australian side look capable of giving all the Counties a good game and the Three ODI’s should be well worth watching.

Fakenham Cricket Club hosted this fixture extremely well both on and off the field. The catering was superb and the whole day was a credit to Geoff Saunders and his team of helpers. Speeches were made by both sides and various people received individual accolades for their performances on the day.

Norfolk combined well with their Suffolk compatriates however this will all be forgotten when the two teams meet on the 9th and 16th August as both sides look for their first victory of the season

01/08/2018

MATCH REPORT (Weds 1st August @ Maldon CC)

Australia Over 70s 226-8 from 45 Overs (Gibson and Terrell both retired out on 50). 

Essex Over 70s 120-9 from 45 overs  (Kasputis 5 overs 2-10, Court 4 overs 2-7).  Ken Johnson 25 n.o., Keith Mitchell 24, Bobby Newman 19.

Australia were too strong for us on the day, having batted first and put a decent total on the board, mainly down to a solid start from their top order who ran well between the wickets.
Their batters 2 and 3 (Gibson and Terrell) both retired on 50. Thereafter we took wickets fairly regularly and did well to restrict them to 226 from 45 overs.
After tea, our top and middle order were blown away by some very good swing bowling from both openers (Kasputis & Court).
Bob Newman (19) was the only batter in the top 6 to have any degree of success, but a very good partnership between Ken Johnson (25 n.o.) and Keith Mitchell (24) ensured that the Aussies had to bowl all 45 overs in the warm sunshine.

02/08/2018

The England 70+ team to play Australia in the 1st ODI on 8th August at Banbury is :

M Swain  Capt, C Swadkin  V-Capt.
A Barnes, B Philips
M Wright, M Burgess  Wk
P Crees, B Hart
P Taylor, M Woodward
P Betteley, T Spindler

20/7/2018

The full sqaud to play Australia in the three ODI’s is as follows :

Mick Swain ( Captain) (Hampshire), Chris Swadkin (Vice Captain) (Kent)
Andy Barnes (Sussex), Peter Crees (Sussex)
Martin Hall (Hampshire), Barry Hart (Surrey)
Stuart Bulger (Hertfordshire), Colin Breed (Kent)
Peter Betteley (Wales), Trevor Spindler (Oxfordshire)
Martin Woodward (Worcestershire), Bob Philips (Kent)
Phil Taylor (Yorkshire), Martin Burgess (Wk Kp) Sussex
Malcolm Wright (Essex)

08/05/2018

Itinerary for the 2018 Australia 70+ Tour of the UK

DayDateOppositionVenueStart TimeResult
Mon30-JulyHertfordshireTring Park Australia won by 7 Wickets
Wed1-AugEssexMaldon CC Australia won by 106 Runs
Frid3-AugNorfolk / SuffolkFakenham CC Australia won by 119 Runs
Mon6-AugChairmans XIBanbury XX CC Chairman’s XI won by 1 Run
Wed8-AugEngland 1st ODIBanbury XX CC Australia won by 5 Runs
Frid10-AugWorcestershirePershore CC Australia won by 129 Runs
Mon13-AugGloucs / WarwicksDorridge CC Australia won by 70 Runs
Wed15-AugWalesAbergavenny CC Australia won by 187 Runs
Frid17-AugEngland 2nd ODIHorsham CC England won by 22 Runs
Mon20-AugSussexHorsham CC Australia won by 58 Runs
Wed22-AugKentThe Mote CC Australia won by 66 Runs
Frid24-AugSurreyHorsley & Send CC Australia won by 67 Runs
Mon27-AugEngland 3rd ODISutton CC England won by 4 Runs

England 70+ Tour to Australia Spring 2018

15/03/2018

Latest results summaries :

Australia 70+ 289-3 (50 Overs) beat England 70+ 114 All Out (42.4 Overs) by 175 Runs
Robert Ogden 39

Australia 70+ 143-6 (30 Overs) Tied with beat England 70+ 143-4 (30 Overs)

Australia 70+ 149-1 (29.4 Overs) beat England 70+ 148-8 (50 Overs) by 9 wickets

England were heavily defeated by a much superior Australian side to go two down in the five match series. England batted first on the premier Geelong Cricket Club’s ground at Kardinia Park.
Pearce and Swain put on 26 without major alarms until Swain was LBW for 15. Pearse followed, again LBW for 18 with the score on 40, and then a complete collapse followed to leave the innings in total disarray at 6 for 48. With nothing to lose, Baxter (27) and Corke (21) rebuilt the innings with a stand of 49, with Smith (15 n o) and Clarke (23 n o) putting on an unbroken 46 to take England to a close on 8 for 148. The wickets were shared between Kasputtis, Lovel and Edmunds.
To stay in the game England needed early wickets, and Spindler obliged by dismissing Stackpoole for 6. Petherick came to the wicket and continued where he had left off in Adelaide, making 74 not out with Berenger finishing on 50 not out, as Australia cruised to a nine wicket win in less than 30 overs. England must now show great improvement to have any hope of retaining the Ashes against a very competent and professional Australia team, who are proving to be strong in all departments.

England 70+ 144-5 (40 Overs) beat South Australia Country XI 132-4 (40 Overs) by 12 Runs
Trevor Knowles 30, Peter Betterley 2-14

Australia 70+ 197-7 (50 Overs) beat England 70+ 183-8 (50 Overs) by 14 Runs
Martin Pearse 36, Ian Watson 34 No, Trevor Spindler 3-23, Peter Betteley 3-37

South Australia 127-5 (45 Overs) lost to England 70+ 128-4 (41 Overs) by 6 wickets
Mike Swain (Cpt) 34, Grahame Corke 2-18

South Australia batted first on a hot day in Adelaide on a pitch that proved difficult to score on with a slow outfield. Spindler again bowled well, this time with Corke, each only conceding 18 runs in 9 overs, with Spindler taking one wicket and Corke two.
Clarke and Smith also bowled tightly against the impressive Reid who retired on 50. A late flurry of runs took South Australia to 127 in 45 overs. England found runs just as difficult to score, and lost two wickets for 22 after 11 overs. and when Swain was out for 34 with the score on 74 the game was in the balance. Baxter was joined by Smith and the two then built a match winning partnership of 54 as they took the score past South Australia without further alarms.


Western Australia 173-5 (45 Overs) lost to England 70+ 174-3 (42.5 Overs) by 7 Wickets
Barry Hart 64 Ret No, Andy Barnes (Cpt) 41, Trevor Knowles 3-17, Miles Rawlings 31 no

Western Australia 183-4 (39.1 Overs) beat England 70+ 182-5 (40 Overs) by 6 Wickets
Mike Swain 76 Ret No, Trevor Knowles 2-37

Tour Report by Nigel Ling the Tour Manager can be viewed via this link

Ashes Tour Report

13/02/2018 Winter 2018 Tour to Australia Fixture List

DayDateOppositionVenueStart TimeResult
Mon26-FebWestern Australia Scarborough9amLost
       
Wed28-FebWestern Australia Iluka10.30Won
       
Frid2-MarchSouth Australia Northfield10:30Won
       
Sun4-MarchAustralia (ODI) Banksia Park10:00Lost
       
Tues6-MarchSouth Australia Country XI Mount Gambier10:30Won
       
Thurs8-MarchAustralia (ODI) Geelong10:30Lost
       
Sun11-MarchAustralia (ODI) Brisbane10:30ABND
       
Mon12-MarchQueensland Caloundra14:00ABND
       
Wed14-MarchAustralia (30 Over Friendly) Buderim10:30TIE
       
Sat17-MarchAustralia (ODI) Manly TBC10:30Lost
       
       

2017

Our Sponsors

Sporta StoneHill

29/8/2017

England Over 70  Squad Australian Tour March 2018

The England Team to tour Australia for 3 weeks Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane
All players guaranteed a Test Match-unless injured
5 Tests and 5 Inter State  matches
All players/ organisers  asked to help find  Sponsors otherwise Tour is self funding
Manager is Nigel Ling of Yorkshire Ridings
Travel Agent in Australia Joel Mc Glynn

Full Squad

Martin Pearse ( Norfolk)
Andy Barnes ( Sussex)
Mickey Swain ( Hampshire)
Miles Rawlings ( Yorkshire)
Mark Shimmons ( Sussex)
Peter Crees ( Sussex)
Trevor Knowles ( Worcestershire)
Barry Hart ( Surrey)
Bob Ogden ( Leicestershire)
Jeff Baxter ( Leicestershire)-Wkt
Ian Watson ( Hampshire) –Wkt
Trevor Spindler ( Oxfordshire)
Ray Clarke ( Surrey)
Martin Woodward ( Worcestershire)
Peter Bettelley ( Wales)
Billy Smith ( Lancashire)
Graeme Corke ( Sussex)
Mickey Allen  (Northamptonshire)
Chris Lowe (Buckinghamshire)

_____________________________
MANAGER Nigel Ling  ( Yorkshire Ridings)

26/8/2017

The England Over 70 Trial is at Lutterworth on Sunday 27 August and the Manager announced for the Tour to Australia in March 2018 is Nigel Ling, who has bought Yorkshire Ridings into the Seevent Championship very successfully.
The 3 week Tour will commence in Perth, moving onto Adelaide Melbourne and Brisbane, with 5 Test Matches  and 5  Inter State matches
The Squad will be announced next week

09/07/2017

OVER 70 TRIAL MATCH AT LUTTERWORTH ON 27 AUGUST BACK UP 28th

The 70+ England Tour to Australia in Feb March 2018 is not yet finalized .

However the following have been chosen to play in a Trial at Lutterworth CC  12 noon

Some players are already chosen if the Tour goes ahead

Graeme Corke  Mark Shimmons Peter Crees ( Sussex)
John Williams ( Wiltshire)
Jeff Baxter, Raj Ganatra ( Leicestershire)
Billy Smith ( Lancashire)
Ian Watson Russell Kyte ( Hampshire)
Martin Sheffield Chris Tucker( Buckinghamshire)
Mickey  Allen  David Ingham  Northamptonshire)
Gerald Ingram ( Bedfordshire)
Tony Johnson ( Hertfordshire)
Miles Rawlings( Yorkshire)
Frank Packman ( Kent)
Peter Bettelley ( Wales)
Ray Gerken Rick Carmen, Roger Beese ( Gloucestershire)
Trevor Knowles Cliff Rawlings ( Worcestershire)

2016

Our Sponsors

Sporta StoneHill

2016 70+ Seevent Ashes Series

Thanks to :

SEEVENT PLASTICS
Who Sponsor The National 60+/70+ County Cricket Championship and the 2016 Ashes Series.
Seevent Plastics was formed in 1987 and is now regarded as one of the leading manufacturers of high strength industrial polyethylene sacks in the UK. The company manufactures in excess of 100 million sacks each year. Seevent invests considerable time and resources to ensure that the best product at the best price is provided at all times.

HAWK CRICKET
Hawk Cricket was established in 1996 by brothers Robert and Michael with the aim to make the finest cricket bats and supply high quality cricket equipment for the committed cricketer. They are proud to be associated with England 70+.

Rod Worboys (Kent)
Commenced cricket career in 1954 at primary school then Wilsons Grammar School.Played senior cricket for the Old Boys in south London whilst studying. Played until late 60’s for Old Wilsonians then joined Holmesdale in Kent league until 1977.Rejoined Old Wilsonians in 1996 where he still plays in addition to Kent Seniors.
Barry Briscoe (Worcestershire) England Manager
Responsible for organizing the successful tour to Barbados in 2015. Has played cricket for over 60 years as a top order batsman for a number of clubs including Swindon CC and Old Elizabethans CC where he also held a number of offices and obtained lottery Grant for a new pavilion. Plays for Worcestershire 60’s & 70’s.
Martin Pearse (Norfolk) Captain
The leading run scorer in England Seniors cricket, at ECB
50+, 60+ and 70+ with 10,000+ runs. Founder of Norfolk Seniors.
Ted Williams (Cheshire)
A life member of Sefton CC where he has played since 1956. Represented Cheshire in Minor Counties Competition and also captained Liverpool & District League side. RH bat and bowler, career best batting 175no and 9 for 23. Regular member of Cheshire 60s.
Chris Lees (Cheshire) Vice Captain
Has played for 3 clubs during his career, captaining them all at some stage, 25 years as WK and 30 as bowler. Has batted from 1 to 11 during career. A late developer in County Cricket, but has played in 5 National Finals since age 64. Junior coach and helps run Marple CC. Captain of Cheshire 60’s 1st XI.
Colin Breed (Kent)
Left arm medium pace bowler and RH bat. Represented Kent police cricket team for 28 years, various clubs and Staplehurst for the last 24 years. Had 12 years with Kent 50+ then moved up to 60’s 1st XI and still playing for them.
Mickey Swain (Hampshire)
A club cricketer for Gosport Borough CC for 35 years, former 1st XI and Representative Side Captain, as LH no 3 bat and swing bowler. Played for Hampshire Seniors for last 20 years in 50’s, 60’s and now 70’s,now as opening bat. Leading aggregate run scorer in 60’s league.
David Ingham (Northants)
Born in Manchester in 1941. Played Lancashire League Cricket until 1972 then moved to Kettering Town CC captaining the 1st XI for many years. Also served as Chairman, Treasurer and is current President. Played for Northamptonshire 2nd XI, the Over 50’s and 60’s. Medium pace bowler and aggressive bat.
George Fox (Leicestershire)
Born in County Durham in 1943. Had soccer trials for Sunderland as boy. Moved to Rugby area when 17 and started cricket when 18. Has played for Oakfield, Newbold, Rugby, GEC Rugby and Bitteswell. Scored over 1,800 runs in one season
Stuart Lott (Devon)
Off spin bowler who started career with Pangbourne CC and then moved to Reading CC. Moved to Devon in 1960 & joined Paignton CC for 30 years, played Minor Counties for Devon from 1973 to 1993.Won national Championship with 50’s then joined 60’s and played in two Australian series for England 60’s .
John Stuck (Essex)
On leaving school in 1963 played for Clacton CC as LH opening bat and WK. Made Minor Counties debut in 1969 for Suffolk and won Minor Counties Championship in 1979.Played 17 years for Suffolk 50+ then Essex 60+ & 70+. A prolific run scorer with 192 career centuries, 703 half centuries, and over 1500 WK victims.
Martin Woodward (Worcestershire)
An off spin bowler and LH bat. Joined Droitwich CC in 1967 and still playing for them in the Worcestershire County League. Played for 50+ team for 14 years and now Captains 60’s 1st XI. Also plays for 40 Club midweek, and is a qualified cricket coach. Represented England 60+.
Neil Blackey (Hampshire)
Born in Middleton, Lancs and played for them in Central Lancs League from 16 years. Then moved to Lytham and played for 8 years before moving to Hayling Island where he plays in Hants League. Plays for 40 Club and Hants Seniors. Represented England 70’s in 2013 and won two man of match awards. Opening bat.
Ray Clarke (Surrey)
Has played for one club only, Frensham, for over 50 years. They play in the L’Anson league in Surrey where they have been one of the most successful sides over the last 25 years. In his third season with Surrey 60+ he has represented England 60+ on two occasions. Spin bowler.
Ron Walton (Wales)
A right arm medium pace bowler and LH bat. Started playing in 1960 for Miners Hall CC, a local club, before moving to Hoover CC for 40 years who then merged and formed Merthyr CC, where he still plays League cricket. Represents Wales 60+ and took a hat trick in last 70+ Ashes game.
David Gamble (Devon)
Left arm medium pace bowler with 20 years service in Devon Seniors 50’s and 60’s teams. Part of Devon 50’s side that won the National Championship in 2002. Played for Exeter CC from 1980 to 1993 and then moved on to Topsham St James CC. Chairman of Devon Cricket League between 2005 and 2009.
Andy Barnes (Sussex)
An accomplished middle order batsman who played over 60 games for Sussex 50+ before moving up to the 60+ side where he has played over 100 games for the 1st XI, of which he is still a member. Has represented England 60+. Also represented England Masters at World Cup & coach to both England 60+ and 70+.
Jeff Baxter (Leicestershire)
Aged 73 and in his 64th season. He started playing cricket for his Primary School at 9 years old, keeping wicket and batting and still doing the same today for Lutterworth Cricket Club and Leicestershire 50s and 60s where he manages 3 games a week.

O70  –  England v Australia 3rd Test Ashes decider

Burridge CC, Southampton Friday 29th July 2016

A tense Final Ashes Decider  saw it come down to the last over of yet another 100 over thriller with Australia requiring 19 for victory and Andy Barnes of Sussex in the hot seat. In an over he will never forget, he kept his head and Australia could only scramble 7 runs. Joy and despair all round.

To the match! A muggy hot day with rain constantly in the air, Australia’s Captain, Ross Chapman, won the toss for the second match in succession and invited England’s Captain Martin Pearse to bat. Which Pearse did and in a blitzing start, which saw 40 on the board in 6 overs, looked as if he was going to make it five consecutive hundreds. However, all good things come to an end and a tame full toss went straight to mid off and Australia had their first wicket in 12, 62 for 1, Pearse 38.

Other opener, Mickey Swain, wasn’t quite himself, but hey, Mickey is a run machine so some times parts need oiling. George Fox joined Swain and for nearly 20 overs Australia dominated as the home team constantly found fielders and Australia very mobile in this area. Drinks break 34 overs. England 115-1. Luckily the Captain went on to take the drinks out  as Swain had decided to retire as his thigh muscle had seized. Instruction to stay there and take the Aussies to task was duly acted upon and from that moment, the run rate rocketed. Fox on the attack scorched from 30 to 83 in double quick time and Swain scored 52 in 35 balls. Fox on 83 in 94, perished and Andy Barnes took up the cudgels with a superb 38 in 20 balls. Swain was left high and dry on 96 not out as Dave Ingham scored 8 off the last over to take England to a formidable 291-4 with the Australians looking shell shocked.

With the five changes from the narrow defeat (and 55 wides) at Radlett, the bowling from Ronnie Walton immediately calmed things down. Australia were just not in control. Missed catches, and there were plenty from England, saw the visitors stay in the game but not dominating. Nev Kratzman, 48, John Stackpool, 40, saw them to 77 in 18, but despite Ray Clarke’s off breaks, completely stifling the visitors, it was left to a combo of wicket keeper Jeff Baxter and off spin of Martin Woodward to bring the Ashes home with three stumpings, including that of the Australian Captain, Ross Chapman, who was stumped by yards. Ian Petherick went the same way and England were in control, 129-4 in 32. But games can change in an instant and with Australia requiring 163 in 18, it looked a very tall order.

By now, Australia still hadn’t thrown all caution to the winds, which, in hindsight, they should have done. With a pavilion duty holding up proceedings with a heavy shower on 44 at 213-5, Australia required 78 off the last 6. Frayed nerves, dropped catches and fast boundaries caused home hearts to palpitate, but with Walton, Clarke and Woodward all bowled out it was entrusted to Andy Barnes and David Ingham to keep the Ashes. Despite some sixes, all big ones from Chris Tobin 55 not out and John Fryer 39 not out, 19 was needed off Barnes’ last over and only 7 accrued. Joy for England and their rather worried supporters and despair for Australia.

In hindsight, the batting and bowling would grace most top leagues, irrespective of age and this was constantly remarked on by incredulous spectators. The fielding, overall, is the giveaway that all players are over 70.

Some match, some series, but the Australians can feel proud that they have improved so much, so quickly.

England MOM was George Fox and Australian John Fryer.

Many thanks to Burridge C.C, a superb Southern League Premiership facility, to Glyn White at the Club and Gerry Candy for the wicket. To Dave Wright and Keith Williams, the ECB ACO Umpires, Dick Bachelor and Sandra Webster the scorers, John Knight, Hampshire Seniors C.C.C. and to our Manager Barry Briscoe for all the incredible work he has undergone to keep the show on the road.

SEEVENT 70+ Ashes Series – 2nd Test Match at Radlett CC 20th July 2016

Following their comfortable win in the 1st Seevent Ashes Test Match England made four changes for this 2nd Test Match at Radlett CC.
Australia won the toss and surprisingly asked England to bat on an excellent wicket. John Stuck and George Fox opened the batting against Ron Kasputis and John Fryer. With just 4 runs on the board Stuck was out LBW to Fryer for 2. This brought Andy Barnes to the wicket and he and Fox batted carefully but then attacked with a flurry of boundaries taking the score to 58 from 10 overs.

In the 15th over with the score on 73 for one Barnes was adjudged LBW to Stephens for 28 .
Martin Pearse joined Fox and they proceeded carefully to 96 in the 22nd over when Fox was caught by Petherick off Ken Campbell for 45. Mickey Swain joined Pearse and the pair kept the score ticking with some quick singles and glorious boundaries reaching 159 for 3 after 30 overs. The score had reached 198 in the 35th over when Swain was well caught by Stephens of the returning Kasputis.

Pearse was joined by Colin Breed who sensibly played to keep Pearse on strike who launched an assault on the Aussie attack. The 250 came up in the 45th over and 300 four overs later. With one over remaining Breed was superbly caught by Stumbles on the square leg boundary off Kasputis for a careful 38.
David Ingham then came in and proceeded to score 13 from 5 balls leaving England on 321 for 5.Pearse finished on 126 not out off 90 balls, a superb performance.
Pick of the bowlers was Kasputis with 2 for 58 from 10 overs and Campbell 1 for 23 from 4 overs.

Nev Kratmann and John Stackpoole faced up to the new England opening attack of Rod Worboys and David Gambie. And after 10 overs were 47 without loss. Ray Clarke and Colin Breed joined the attack but the latter struggled for line and length as Australia raced to 86 in the 16th over when Clarke had Kratmann caught at the wicket by John Stuck for 37.

Ross Chapman joined Stackpoole and the pair rapidly pushed the score up to 150 after 23 overs with England maintaining an attacking field. Some wayward bowling led to numerous wides which added to the frustration for England. Stuart Lott joined the bowling attack but after only one over in which Stackpoole was dropped of a lofted drive had to leave the field with a muscle injury.

The 200 came up in the 32nd over and Stackpoole reached his hundred. Chapman was then bowled by Chris Lees for a rapid 30 with the score 209 for 2.Ian Petherick joined the fray .

The impetus had swung Australia’s way when Stackpoole was bowled by David Ingham for 108 with the score 238for 3 in the 37th over. Dick Stumbles joined Petherick but was quickly lbw to Clarke for 5 at 247 for 4 in the 40th over.Petherick was bowled Clarke for 26 in the 44th over with the score 273 for 5 and then Stephens was caught by Swain at short midwicket for 15 of Ingham, the score 274 for 6. England continued to leak wide balls which kept the scoreboard ticking.

Ken Last and Bob Ziehlke attacked every ball and ran every single putting on 37 in 3 and a half overs when Ziehlke was bowled by Worboys with the score 308 for 7. Ken Campbell joined Last with the pair needing 13 from two overs which they achived with ease courtesy of more wides, to close on 323 for 7 with an over to spare.

It was a magnificent run chase by Australia thanks to man of the match John Stackpoole and their second highest scorer W Ides with 55.!!! Pick of the England bowlers were Ray Clarke with 3 for 40 from 10 overs and David Ingham with 2 for 42 from 9 overs.

This result has set up the spectacle of a thrilling 3rd and deciding Test Match at Southampton on 29th July, giving England time to regroup and to contemplate a game almost literally thrown away. Barry Briscoe England 70+ Manager.

SEEVENT 70+ Ashes Series – 1st Test Match at Old Buckenham 13th July 2016

Australia 186-9 (Ian Petherick 35, Ronnie Walton 3-27 Martin Woodward 3-35)

England 187-2 in 44.1 overs (Mike Swain 82, Martin Pearse 69)

Following torrential rainfall the previous day the ground staff at Old Buckenham performed miracles to get the game started on time.
England won the toss and elected to bat. John Stackpole and Nev Kratzmann opened for Australia scoring briskly against the pace attack of Ron Walton and David Ingham.
With the score at 31 after 7 overs England left armers Chris Lees and Colin Breed were introduced into the attack .The first breakthrough came in the 17th over when Breed had Kratzmann lbw for 26 with the sore on 63, to bring captain Ross Chapman to the wicket.
Ray Clarke joined the attack and troubled the batsmen with his off spin, getting Stackpole lbw for 23 with the score at 74 for 2 in the 20th over.

Ian Petherick was next in and he and Chapman batted sensibly to keep the score ticking and dispatching any loose balls.
With the score at 130 for 2 in the 30th over Ron Walton rejoined the attack and he and off spinner Martin Woodward then got a stranglehold on the game. Chapman was lbw to Walton for 27 and with the score at 135 for 3 in the 35th over Ziehlke was bowled by Woodward for 2. Walton then had Petherick caught and bowled for 35 with the score at 142 and then 4 runs later Last was bowled by Woodward for 2 and Fryer caught and bowled Woodward no score.

With Australia reeling at 146 for 7 after 39 overs. Walton then had Stephens stumped by Jeff Baxter for 6 with the score 150. Keith Campbell and Peter Dell then put on a spirited 30 run partnership before Dell was run out by Ray Clarke with a direct hit for 15.

The innings closed on 186 for 7 with Campbell 14 not out. The pick of the English bowlers who performed well as a unit were Walton 3 for 27,Woodward 3 for 35 and Clarke 1 for 33.

On a good wicket the Australian score was going to be a difficult target to defend,and so it proved. Martin Pearse and Mickey Swain opened for England against the Australian attack of Ron Kasputtis and John Fryer who bowled a good line and direction, but the English pair were able to keep the rate at 3 an over.
With the score at 37 from 12 overs, Keith Last and Ken Campbell were introduced into the attack but Pearse and Swain kept the scoreboard moving steadily accumulating the runs.Any loose balls were quickly despatched to the boundary.The score moved to 72 after 20 overs and then on to 108 after 30.

At this point England increased the momentum moving quickly to 137 from 35 overs when the Australians got the wicket that they desperately needed when Pearse was run out with a direct throw for an excellent 69. This brought in John Stuck who adopted the anchor man role while Swain displayed his full array of strokes. With the score on 170 for 1 on 40 overs Swain was well stumped by Peter Dell off the bowling of Ian Petherick for 82 . Andy Barnes joined Stuck and they calmly accumulated the runs to pass the Australian total off the first ball of the 45th over for a very comfortable England win by 8 wickets.

Mickey Swain was named as Man of the Match.
Ian Petherick was the Australian man of the match.

Worcestershire 70+ vs Australia 70+ at Kidderminster CC – 22nd July 2016

With the sun blazing down the Worcestershire captain, George Batty, won the toss and decided to bat first.
Worcestershire soon lost openers John Lawrence and Keith Middleton, followed by the in-form Trevor Knowles who had hit a brisk 16. Keith Rose then lost three partners fairly quickly on his way to retiring at 50.
Wicket keeper John Matthews with 38 and all-rounder Martin Woodward with 32 not out then put on a valuable partnership of 92 before Matthews was dismissed.
Then Dave Smith, making his first appearance of the season, scored a useful 9 in a partnership of 28 runs with Woodward.
When the number 11, Batty was run out, Rose returned and finished with a well-made 54 not out in a Worcestershire total of 199 for 9 from their 45 overs.

In reply the Australians started well with Chris Tobin 40 retired and Gordon Ives 10 who was unlucky to hit his own wicket off Batty’s bowling.
Dick Stumbles 11 and Ken Campbell 20 then added useful runs in the middle order, Ian Petherick scored 40 before retiring, Bob Webster was well run out by Middleton for 14 before skipper Ross Chapman 22 not out and Stuart Shepley 3 not out saw the visitors home to a 5 wkt win with 5 overs left.
John Matthews was awarded Worcestershire’s man of the match for his 38 runs and good wicket keeping, and Bruce Pooley was awarded the Australians man of the match for his 4 for 36, and 21 runs.

Essex 70+ vs Australia 70+ at Halstead CC – 17th July 2016We were delighted to entertain the visiting Australia 70+ players and wives/partners on a wonderfully sunny day at Halstead, the club’s arrangements for the day being excellent and much appreciated by all. We were also well supported and it was good to see the turn out and to play in warm (hot even!) temperatures at the very well appointed ground and on a good pitch.

Under the match rules for the game a batsman could retire at 40 (for the visitors) and 50 (for Essex) and Australia took first innings. We were short of a full bowling line up and Nev Krantzman took full advantage to hit 40 out of 55 and retired before John Stackpoole was caught off a leading edge from Frank Watts’ third ball for 15.
Ian Petherick and Trevor Stephens both retired with 40s to their names and although Roger Jennings had Peter Dell stumped for 9, runs came comfortably and the score was 157 for 2 with 16 overs left. Kevan Pratt and Andy Jenner bowled in tandem from this point and kept the score under control with some good length bowling to their fields, Andy at one point bowling three successive maidens and taking a wicket when he had Bob Webster caught for 8.
Bob Ziehlke made some orthodox and unorthodox connections at the death for 32 not out, along with John Fryer 12 not out, but a final score of 222 for 3 off 45 overs was something of a come back for the home team. Kevan bowled 8 overs 0 for 32, Andy 8 overs 1 for 31 and Bob Fulford with his leg spin 9 overs 0 for 39.

After an excellent tea the Essex openers John Stuck and Dave Webster went out to the middle, but Dave ran himself out first ball trying for a single to mid off and succumbing to a direct hit (the Aussies all had good arms) and Frank Watts was quickly LBW to a full toss, 3 for 2.
This became 27 for 3 as Malcolm Bottomley was bowled by Ron Kasputis as the Aussies kept up excellent and tight lines and length, which became 49 for 4 off 16 overs when Dave Carter was also run out for 16. Stuckie was battling away and Chris Rotsey played soundly for 15 but runs were hard to come by and we advanced slowly to 96 for 7 off 35 overs. John duly notched 50 and retired but at the end of 45 overs we were 132 for 8 and well beaten.
All the Aussies bowled and fielded well, with the best returns for Ron Kasputis 7 overs 1 for 13 and Bob Ziehlke 7 overs 2 for 15. At presentations after the match great thanks were expressed to both umpires (Tom Kilby and Mick Tucker), to scorers Graham Harris and Sandra Webster, and to the Halstead club for their excellent arrangements on the day.

Essex nominated Bob Ziehlke as the Australian man of the match for his all round performance and they in turn nominated Andy Jenner as the Essex man of the match for his bowling. A very sociable evening then ensued!

Suffolk 70+ vs Australia 70+ at Ipswich CC – 11th July 2016

The Australians were invited to bat first at Ipswich CC on a good track but with threatening clouds around.
Russell Abbott quickly removed Stackpole , but Nev Kratzman and Ross Chapman then set about the bowling until Chapman was smartly stumped by Spall off Clark, who then also caught Kratzman off Knight.
However with Stumbles and Stephens both retiring on 40 the Aussies posted a healthy 236 from their 40 overs.

In their reply Suffolk quickly lost Spall to Pooley and the accurate Australian bowling was too much for the batsman with only Doug Andrews (34) and Derrick Messent (22no) making much impression as the home side struggled to 95 for 4 in 29 overs when the second storm of the day washed out play leaving the fixture as a “match abandoned no result”.

The early finish enabled a long and convivial evening in the Ipswich pavilion which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone involved

Sussex 70+ vs Australia 70+ at Three Bridges CC – 8th July 2016

With the sun breaking through and the threat of rain diminishing at Three Bridges Cricket Club, Hugh Milner (the successful former England 70+ Captain) won the toss and invited the Australians to have first knock.
Nev Kratzmann and captain, Gordon Ives opened the batting for the Australians. The last time the two captains met in the UK was also at Three Bridges CC in the second ODI of the 2013 season which England won the series by 2 matches to nil.
Kratzmann soon took control and favouring the pull shot to anything short of a length, reached 40, and then retired, after 52 balls.
Despite tight bowling from Udho Maharaj, Gordon Ives continued steadily until retiring at the drinks break.
Dick Stumbles hustled his way to 27 in 36 balls when Ted Elsey caught him off of Mick Pegram. Bruce Pooley was bowled by Ted Elsey off his pads but Bob Ziehlke (20 in 18 balls), Bob Webster (22 in 21 balls), Trevor Stephens (37 in 30 balls) and Ken Last (24 in 16 balls) collectively took the score from 123 to 227 for 5 with 2 retirements.
Best Sussex bowler was Mick Pegram with 2 wickets for 50 in 7 overs.

With Andy Meads and Mark Shimmons wasting no time in chasing the Australian total they soon reached 91 until the first wicket fell after 15 overs. Meads retired with 51 and Mark Shimmons was caught and bowled Ken Campbell for 51.
Two quick wickets – Peter Crees – well caught in the slips by Nev Kratzman and soon followed in the same manner, when Kratzmann took a diving catch to dismiss Howard Johnson for a meagre two runs. Brian Scollay tried to retrieve the situation and scored 30 in 55 balls but with Robbie Barker (18) and Ted Elsey (11), both bowled by Bruce Pooley it was left to bowlers Mick Pegram and skipper Hugh Milner to try and score the 53 runs to win.
With controlled hitting they took the Sussex total to within a five runs of the Australian score when Milner was run out for 18 on the first ball of the last over. Mick Pegram (20) immediately followed when falling LBW to the next ball. This brought Andy Meads back to the crease from his retirement. Six runs to win and four balls remaining, Meads scored successive 2s, missed the fifth ball and was run out going for the winning run on the final ball. A fair result and a great finish to a well fought and enjoyable game of cricket.

Nev Kratzmann was awarded the Australian man of the match for his 40* and 1 wicket and two catches. The Australians presented Andy Meads with their choice as the England man of the match.

Australia 70+ Tour to England July 2016Finalised Rules

1) Games to be of 50 overs per team
2) Bowlers to bowl a maximum of 10 overs.
3) Unlimited batting.
4) There will be a 30 metre fielding circle.
5) A minimum of 4 fielders, excluding the bowler and wicket-keeper, must be positioned inside the circle
6) Teams will comprise 12 a side but only 11 to bat and field
7) 4 piece balls to be provided by host
8) The Host Country to provide Official Umpires (as per the precedent set with the past tours to the UK and Australia)
9) Each team to provide a Scorer
10) When permission is granted for a batsman to have a runner, that runner should be a batsman who has been previously dismissed
11)When permission is granted for a fielder to be replaced, the first option should be the member of the 12 not currently on the ground. If additional fielders are required, replacements should be no more mobile than the fielders they are replacing. In both cases, the injury must have been sustained during the current match and permission granted by the opposing Captain and Umpires
12) In the event of inclement weather interrupting play the Duckworth Lewis method will be used to calculate any revised score.

Tour Matches
1) Games to be of 45 overs per team
2) Bowlers restricted to a maxium of 9 overs
3) There will be a 30 metre fielding circle
4) A minimum of 4 fielders, excluding the bowler and wicket-keeper, must be positioned inside the circle
5) Teams will comprise 12 a side but only 11 to bat and field.
6) 4 piece balls to be provided by Host
7) Host County to provide both Official Umpires
8) Each team to provide a Scorer
9) In Tour Matches, 40% will be played unlimited, 30% retire 50, 30% retire 65
10) Depending on prevailing weather or light conditions of a playing day, the Captains of both teams may agree to negotiate changes to playing conditions based on Seevent Rules

07/05/2016

England 70’s Squad for the 2016 Ashes Series

Following the net squad session at Leicester on the 21st April, the following 18 man squad has been selected to represent England in the three Test Matches series against Australia.

Martin Pearse Capt. Norfolk
Chris Lees Vice Capt. Cheshire
Micky Swain Hampshire
George Fox Leicestershire
John Stuck Essex
Neil Blackey Hampshire
Ron Walton Wales
Ted Williams Cheshire
Colin Breed Kent
Alan Hitchmough Derbyshire
David Ingham Northamptonshire
Stuart Lott Devon
Martin Woodward Worcestershire
Ray Clarke Surrey
David Gambie Devon
Jeff Baxter Leicestershire
Rod Warboys Kent
Andy Barnes Sussex

Reserves
Brian Cole Suffolk
Rod Cooper Somerset
George Batty Worcestershire

The selectors would like to thank all the players who attended the net sessions at Leicester and also for their enthusiasm and commitment which was outstanding.
It was difficult to make the final selection because of the very high standards of all participants. Clearly at our age their is a strong possibility of injury or illness and therefore the squad may have to be amended at a future date. I wish you all a very successful cricket season this year,and look forward to meeting up again later.

I will be in touch with the selected squad shortly about playing kit.etc..

Barry Briscoe England 70+ Manager

Earlier News

Australia 70+ Tour to England July 2016

70+ INTERNATIONAL SQUAD SELECTED FOR INDOOOR NET TRIALS AT LEICESTER ON 21st APRIL

The squad listed below has been selected from the players nominated by their County to attend a one day net session at Leicester on Thursday 21st April. Further details re times etc. will be circulated to the squad later.
A final squad of 17/18 players will then be selected. Great emphasis is now being put on fitness, mobility and athleticism, it being taken for granted that all players are good with a bat or ball in the hand.
However, there is more to it than that if you wish to represent your Country, and now cricketing ability must also be supported by fitness ,mobility and athleticism as core requirements. In the 70’s nets at Leicester on 21st April, all players will also be subjected to fitness testing in these areas.
Players selected to attend at Leicester are :
Micky Swain (Hampshire), George Fox (Leics) John Stuck (Essex) Jeff Greenwood Hone (Surrey) Neil Blackey (Hampshire) Martin Pearse (Norfolk) Ron Walton (Wales) Bob Phillips (Kent) Frank Packman (Kent) Andy Barnes (Sussex) Ted Hemsley (Derbyshire), David Baker (Cambs) Derek Dewson (Norfolk) Howard Johnson (Sussex) Ted Williams (Cheshire) Chris Lees (Cheshire) Colin Breed (Kent) Alan Hitchmough (Derbyshire) Gordon Voke (Wales) David Ingham (Northants) Andy Shanks (Sussex) Stuart Lott (Devon) Martin Woodward (Worcs) Ray Clarke (Surrey) Kevan Pratt (Essex) George Batty (Worcs) John Hall (Hants) David Gambie (Devon) Andy Jenner (Essex) Rod Warboys (Kent) John Lindlay (Somerset) Peter Humphrey (Kent) Jeff Baxter (Leics) Brian Thompson (Wiltshire) Keith West (Lincs) Alan Cook (Leicestershire) Ray Waite (Northants) Rod Cooper (Somerset). Brian Cole (Suffolk)

Barry Briscoe 70’s Manager.

Players who turn 70 before 31 December 2016 are eligible in all matches v Australia 70+

Fixtures :

Unless stated otherwise batsmen do not need to retire  

Wed 6 SURREY @ Banstead 1pm (Batsmen retire at 50)

Fri 8 SUSSEX @ Three Bridges 12 noon

Sun 10 KENT @ Bromley Common 1pm (Batsmen retire at 50)

Mon 11 SUFFOLK@ Ipswich Copdock near A12 1pm (Batsmen retire at 50)

Wed 13 1st TEST @ Old Buckenham CC 12 Noon

Fri 15 NORFOLK @ Cromer TBC 1pm

Sun 17 ESSEX @ Halstead 1pm (Batsmen retire at 65)

Mon18 HERTS @ West Herts CC 1pm (Batsmen retire at 65)

Wed 20 2nd TEST @ Radlett CC 12 noon

Fri 22 WORCS @ Kidderminster 1pm (Batsmen retire at 65)

Sun 24 SOMERSET-@ Nailsea 1pm

Wed 27 Hampshire @ Cadnam 1pm

Frid 29 3rd TEST @ Burridge CC 12 noon

2015

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England 70+ Tour to Australia 2015

3rd November England triumph by 115 runs in Ashes decider

England 271-8 in 50 Overs (George Fox 87, Derek Birmingham 46, David Ingham 35)

Australia 156 All Out (44 overs) Gary Masden 39, Ross Chapman 38, Ronald Walton 5 for 9

1st November : England beat ACT 70+ Invitation XI by 5 Wickets

ACT 165-8 (40 Overs) Roger Maynard 5-21, Gary Madsen 31, Bob Cotgrove 30 Ret Not Out

England 166-5 (36.1 Overs) Roger Maynard 43, David Ingham 38 Not Out

29th October – Australia level the test series

England 207-4 (50 Overs) George Fox 71, Howard Johnson 42, Graham Penny 40

Lost by 9 wickets to

Australia 208-1 (42.3 Overs) Ross Chapman 93 not out, Nev Kratzmann 87 not out

27th October – The match scheduled against New South Wales Country XI was called off due to bad weather

25th October : England lost to New South Wales City XI by 4 wickets

England 160-6 (John Day 51 Ret) 45 Overs

New South Wales City XI 161-6 (Alan Cook 3-26) 43.4 Overs

22nd October : 1st Test Match – Australia 70+ v England 70+

England 279-3 (J Stuck 106 Ret, G Fox 83) from 50 Overs

Australia 172-2 (R Chapman 69, G Madsden 67 Not Out) from 35 Overs

England won on superior run rate

20th October : England beat Queeensland Country XI by 20 runs

England : 224- 5 (G Fox 51 Ret, M Dexter 50 Ret, R Maynard 30 no)
Queensland Country XI : 204 All Out (45 Overs) (G Madsen 52, N Kratzmann 44, R Maynard 3-42, R.Walton 2-26, K.Pratt 2-24, D Ingham 2-35)

18th October : England  Beat Queensland City XI by 62 Runs

England : 173 for 2 (B.Peay 50 ret. J.Stuck 39, G.Penny 30 ret.)
Queensland City XI : 111 for 8 ( G.Madsen 35, K.Pratt  3-21, B.Elsey 2-16, R.Maynard 2-14)

Australia 60+ XI tour of England 2015

Reports

3rd Test Match at Sunbury on Thames 2nd and 3rd July 80 Overs Per Side

Day one at Sunbury saw slightly overcast but humid conditions as the Captains tossed up. Martin Pearse for England and Colin Cooke for Australia.

SKY TV were there to film the days play and the toss, interviewing both Captains .

Spots of rain were evident as Captain Cooke called correctly and sent the English into the 11am heat (about 75°).

Australia?s openers Ian Pethcrick and Pat Logue survived the England seam attack of David Pegg and Martin Ivill, but the latter especially caused many problems and no doubt would have claimed a couple of lbw?s with a more lenient umpire At 10 overs the score was 30-0 and the introduction of Nick Andrews initially lasted two overs, with Bob Plowman being brought on. In over 16, Plowman?s short ball elicited the first wicket when Petherick smashed one hard to square leg and Ian Caunce caught a hard difficult chance to his right. Soon after, Logue on 47 was run out by Ray Swann after misjudging his partner?s call.

By this time, England’s spinners were exerting a stronghold and at lunch England had bowled a remarkable 45 overs in 2 hours 15 minutes, with Australia 126-3. The very dangerous Phil Drescher was England’s main worry and he had already hit 2 ‘sighter’ fours when he attempted to put Andrews over the mid wicket boundary. He got about 85 yards there but Duncan Elder held a fine tumbling catch and virtually, immediately Ivill caught another stunner diving at long off to catch Greg Quinn. 163-5 in 52. The wicket was what could optimistically be called ?sporting? with an unusually very high bounce and Micky Kenyon and Ray Swann were in the ascendancy. No 3 John Dedman stood his ground on a caught behind and received a free Test Match sledging from an infuriated Swann, but the very next ball, Dedman smashed it back at the Northants player who warmly showed him the way to the pavilion.

At the crease now were Rex Bennett and Jimmy Quinn and with hindsight now batted very sensibly, although the England team were very content there were so many dot balls. These two put on 44 in 16 overs to take the score to 220 in over 72 when Martin skied one to Kenyon off Swann for 17 in 46 balls. With both Kenyon 20-4-52-0 and Swann 20-6-51-4 bowled out, Bennett 44 off 72 was finally stumped by Richard Owen off Nick Andrews. 13.5-2-51-3. England were off the field at exactly 4.17 , having bowled their 79.5 overs in ten minutes over 4 hours with Australia totalling 263 all out. Ivill bowled particularly well with 8-2-21-0 with Plowman 13-5-47-1 and Pegg 5-1-22-0.

So England had 80 overs to get 263. On paper an easy task. But that wasn?t taking into account the bounce and the Aussie quicks. First ball, Rex Bennett bounced Nigel Bloch who nearly hit it straight down fine leg throat. But it was 4-0. Bennett?s pace and variation was causing both Ian Caunce and Bloch immeasurable problems, but the latter pluckily kept hooking and cutting, despite being dropped off an absolute sitter at gully. Caunce survived a flat pull to deep leg off a Bennett bouncer, but by this time anything slightly off line was being despatched to the ropes by the hard hitting Oxfordshire opener. In over 10, a massive straight six off skipper Cooke caused a lost ball and the replacement provided, unknown to the England skipper, was a brand new Kookaburra. 1-0 to Captain Cooke.

Caunce continued attacking and with him at the crease it was a different match. However, having blasted 78 in 52 balls, he top edged spinner Jimmy Martin to fly slip, and from that moment onwards the game changed. 105-1 in 19 overs. Bloch?s innings of 25 in 64 ended immediately after, as Bennett’s replacement, Phil Drescher removed him and Ray Swann in three balls, the latter to a superb slip catch by Dedman off an expansive drive. Drescher’s pace and energy into the batsman was something the English batsman rarely see in ECB 50 cricket, let alone Seevent 60. However, when Martin removed Steve Lynch trying to hit him over long on, caught Drescher at short third man for 3 in 15, the game had changed beyond all recognition. England were 117-4 in 25 overs, a horrible transformation. And still 55 overs to get only 147 !! But worse was to come. Bennett, named ‘Wrecka’ in Oz and a bowler used by the Australian National Team to bowl at the Aussies proper Test 1st X1 and whose ?bunny? was Mark Waugh, was even a step up from Drescher. Certainly the best bowler your correspondant has seen in the 60?s and even the ECB 50’s currently, it was only when he slightly over pitched, runs were scored . Elder and Pearse put together a small stand of 18 in 10 overs, but Bennett then completely wrecked England?s hopes with Elder 16 in 39 caught and bowled off a leading edge off the splice, Pearse 10 in 26 lbw and Andrew 1 lbw in 6 to the prodigio’sly swinging Kookaburra. 3 wickets in 8 balls. England 139-7 in 35. Martin Ivill in hindsight might have been a better choice much higher up, as England’s reliance on attacking was indiscreet with 60 overs still to bat but , Ivill too, departed to a stunning slip overhead catch by Dedman off Ian Southall for 23 in 36 and after Bob Plowman was bowled by a wicket keeper/seamer/spinner/fitness coach Greg Quinn, it was all over bar the shouting . Quinn must be commended as Caunce was already on the way to the pavilion without scoring off Bennett, caught behind by the Aussie wicket keeper, but he sportingly called him back as he was unsure whether the ball hit the ground as he caught it. Dave Pegg with 14 not out and Micky Kenyon showed why he bats at 4 sometimes for Yorkshire with 13 in 32 balls. England finally perished in the 51st over, with Kenyon lbw to Scott and Australia celebrated wildly as they had every right to do.

So England’s dominance of 10 wins and 1 tie, before last week’s defeat at Middleton and the decider at Sunbury, was finally over and a new era begins, as always happens in sport! In October 2016, England 60 have been invited back to Australia and Team Selection will be analysed taking into account player?s fitness and mobility, especially in the heat. Australia played effectively 20 matches in 26 days, incredible when you think about it for 60+ years old. Much, much fitter and conditioned than before, they have set a benchmark the England Selectors will be carefully looking at for the future. Quinn had them out warming up thoroughly and warming down—in every game—and this is something that has all but disappeared in 60’s cricket.. This will be adopted into the England’s team itinery for the 2016 Tour, with a physio/ trainer in the squad. Thanks to Sunbury CC for the two days hospitality, Sarah and her team for the food , Neil and Dale Umpires and Veronica the scorer

Also highlight of the Thursday night Dinner was a typically extremely amusing speech from Club President, Roger Dakin , famed for his after dinner homilies !!

Finally , congratulations to Colin Cooke and his very likeable team, too good in the decider, but ———-beware a wounded Pom !!

29th June : Australia v Sussex at Horsham

Australia won the toss and decided to bat first on a typical flat batsman?s paradise pitch at Horsham. The Australians all batted with skill and enthusiastically ran their singles, showing just how 60+ cricket should be played. Jack Stackpool, Neil King and Patrick Logue all reached their half centuries and departed and while the Sussex bowlers did not bowl badly, the Aussies totalled 286 for 2 after 45 overs.

The tourists bowlers matched their batters and gave nothing to hit and Sussex fell to 58 for 4. A partnership of 68 between Bob Page ( 42,MoM) and Peter Crees(30no) gave some respectability, but Sussex were all out for151 in the last over with Dave Adams out hit wicket, Bothamsque, not quite getting his leg over!!

The best team won, which is how it should be, and we shared a pint or two with a very pleasant bunch of cricketers.

28th June Australia defeat England to level the series

Australia were 41 for 3 in 10 overs with the first three victims all bowled.   Then Phil Drescher hit 67 in 43 balls (7 fours and 4 sixes) until well caught on the square leg boundary by Keith Daniels off of Ray Clarke.   Jim Smallbone bore the brunt of this onslaught going for 41 runs off his first 4 overs.   This was the ground where Jim suffered a sudden cardiac arrest three years ago to the day and was brought back to life with CPR by the Sussex keeper -Micky Tindall.   After dismissing Drescher the England bowlers then took charge and the next three wickets fell for 12 runs with Smallbone taking a superb diving catch low to his left to dismiss Greg Quinn off of Brian Brogden – the ball lost in his huge hand!   Unfortunately this supremacy then suffered with an 8th wicket partnership of 61 between Rex Bennett and James Martin which took the score to 199. The last three overs took the score to 217 all out.   Best England bowlers were Ray Clarke with 2 for 20 and Keith Martin with 2 for 23, each bowling 10 overs.

England’s batting was soon under pressure with John Edward caught to a fine catch by Kevin Meikle at long off; Duncan Elder yorked first ball and Amarjit Lall out leg before for 11.   31 for 3 off of the first 11 overs was not a good base for a chase but Chris Swadkin and Andy Barnes set off to recover the situation and this 4th wicket partnership put on 84 runs until Barnes was given out LBW for 18 attempting to sweep Quinn in the 29th over.   Swadkin soon followed dismissed by a fine catch by Ian Petherwick at short midwicket for 71 (13 fours).   It was then the turn of skipper Ray Swann and Keith Daniels to seek to rebuild and all was going well until multiple mis-calling by both players, ending with a mid-pitch conference on whether there was a single or not!   There wasn’t and Swann was run out for 21.   Keith Daniels tried to recover the position and his skipper’s favours and when caught for 30 with the score on 174 and only 15 balls left the target was virtually beyond reach.   England’s finally totalled 190 for 9 – 27 runs short.   Whilst Paul Drescher significantly added to the Australian total, it was the Australian 8th wicket partnership of 61 runs which set a more difficult total.

Ray Swann awarded Paul Drescher the man of the match for the Australians and Colin Cooke awarded Chris Swadkin as the England man of the match.

Both captains thanked Middleton Cricket Club for being excellent hosts with special thanks to Peter Clark (volunteer groundsman and his wife, Sally Clark, for masterminding the off field activities and catering.

25th June Australia defeat Cambridgeshire/Hunts

Quite clearly the Australian Tourists were determined not to lose two games in as many days, as they swept aside Cambs/Hunts Over 60s by a convincing 159-run margin, on Thursday (June 25).
March Town CC’s ground, which has played host to the likes of Botham, Steele and Vaughan in the past, was in pristine condition, as Cambs’ skipper Stuart Unwin invited the Tourists to bat first.
On a flat and dry deck they set off as if they were in T20 mode. Phil Drescher opened up his broad shoulders as 65 runs came up in the first 10 overs, before left-arm slow bowler Pat Ellerbeck bowled Kev Meikle for 15.
Drescher thundered on to 51 with his seventh boundary before retiring, with John Dedman also returning to the pavilion after an unbeaten half-century.
Greg Quinn then added to Cambs’ misery when he danced down the track to England’s Trevor Shailes to straight drive two of his first three balls to the boundary. He too went on to make an undefeated 50.
Had those three not opted to leave the scene the Aussie total of 278-6 off 45 overs could have been massively higher.
Skipper Murray Harrison was bowled for 40, with off-spinner Alan Rodger the host county’s most productive bowler with figures of 2-35.
With England all-rounder Nick Andrews sunning himself in Italy, Cambs invited his Three Lions team-mates Shailes and John Lund to cross the border from nearby Norfolk.
Unfortunately, Lund went back and was outfoxed when bowled third ball by Brian Scott as the home side found themselves 28-2. That soon became 44-4 after Mick Ketteridge (22) danced down the track to Robin Court and Cambs skipper Stuart Unwin, another England cap, provided Scott with his second scalp.
Pat Ringham dug in on his home ground for 15 and wished he was once again bowling ‘leggies’ out of the bright evening sun, with Rodger making a good-looking 14 before being run out.
Following their departure only the swashbuckling Pat Ellerbeck took the fight to the visitors with an unbeaten 23 in a disappointing total of 119.
Rodger was named Cambs/Hunts Man of the Match by both captains, as the hospitality and mountains of food from March CC made the day more of an occasion than an outstanding game.

24th June Herts defeat Australia

After a much appreciated rest day, we travelled to Hertford on a warm sunny day to play the strong Hertfordshire side; they have won 7 out of their 8 county matches to date.

A lovely ground and one of the few that has had a flat outfield. Skipper Cooke won the toss (back to back successful tails calls) and elected to bat. Stackpoole and Petherick opened. Pethers batted well and was caught just 7 runs short of retirement score. At 3/83, Harrison and Logue found it frustrating to face some of the slowest ‘flight’ bowling on tour. However, both came to terms with the bowling making 51 (ret.) and 41  respectively in a partnership of 68 .Nevertheless, the score was restricted to our slowest run rate on tour, just under 4.7 per over. There were a few brief cameo partnerships with the final score at 5 for 211 off 45 overs.

Opening bowlers Cooke and Southall both took early wickets and after 5 overs we had them 2 for14. Martin and Scott bowled together and at the halfway mark, Hertfordshire was 2 for 87 and slightly behind the required rate. At 35 overs (with 10 overs to go), they were well in the game at 4 for 146. Logue was the best of the spinners with 8 overs 2 for 31. Hertfordshire made the runs required for the loss of 4 wickets in the 43rd over.

England take the 1st Test Match

A great win , due to Neil Calvert’s 96, Chris Swadkin -who looked easily on course for a ton until he was run out for 57– Ray Swann 34 and a truly stunning one handed 90 yard ”six” caught one handed back over his right shoulder by David Robinson to get rid of the very dangerous Phil Dreschler( 40) who had just smashed Swann for 17 off his first over…Bob Plowman 2-20 in 10 overs the outstanding bowler, together with Trevor Shales 8-0-27-1 and Martin Southwell 10-2-25-1

Australians “Cruise” to Victory in Henley
Berkshire Over 60’s v Australia Over 60’s at Henley Cricket Club on 18th June 2015.

 The sun shone and the setting was ideal for the next chapter of the Australian Senior Cricketer’s 2015 tour of the UK.

 Still smarting from their narrow one wicket defeat the previous day to Oxfordshire the intensity of the tourist’s warm-up left the hosts in no doubt they meant business. So it proved, having politely declined our offer to use two our league balls, they produced two of their own which, had a seam, kept the shine and shape and behaved like a cricket ball should!

 Berkshire skipper Tooze won the toss and decided to bat on a perfect day. The visitors new ball attack made good use of the conditions to find movement off the pitch and swing. This restricted the scoring and when the first wicket fell in the 7th over the score had reached only 15. Townsin and Brock then moved the score to 48 in the next 7 overs but the introduction of Scott and Court saw a flurry of wickets reducing the home side to 69 for 6 with 20 overs of the innings left. Richard West, with help from Fuller and Lacey pushed the total into three figures at least and the with a little wag of the tail Berkshire edged to 132 in the 44th over before being dismissed. Court was the pick of the bowlers with 3-15. The Australian fielding was excellent throughout with 6 catches, a run out and fine ground fielding. Shows that pre-game warm ups pay dividends.

 Following a delightful tea the Australians went about their task with caution and Woodman and Fuller enjoyed the new ball to restrict Stackpole and Martin to 11 from the first 5 overs. In search of wickets Tooze brought on Smith from the road end and was rewarded with the wicket of Stackpole in his second over. This saw Dedman to the middle and he announced his arrival with a sumptuous extra cover drive for four, which he repeated more than once during his stay at the crease. Martin meanwhile continued on his way, untroubled and took advantage of the bad ball to progress to 52 and the first retiral of the match. Harrison then joined Dedman and saw him safely through to his 50 with 4 needed for victory. Johnson, on his birthday, strode to the wicket and proceeded to score the winning run with many overs to spare. England be warned! You have a job on your hands in the Tests.

 So showered, changed and in the bar by 5.00pm giving Rachel, Henley’s resident caterer the chance to get the BBQ going and the players and supporters the chance to exchange stories and experiences. The visitors departed for their base in Cheltenham with a comfortable victory in preparation for the journey the following day up the A40 / M40 to Beaconsfield to visit Buckinghamshire.   

Oxfordshire 60+ vs Australia 60+ Touring Team Wednesday 17 June 2015 at Aston Rowant

Australia 60+  249 – 4 from 45 overs
Oxfordshire 60+  250 – 9 from 45 overs
Oxfordshire 60+ won by 1 wicket

In a nail-biting finish Oxfordshire 60+ defeated the Australian 60+ tourists by one wicket from the final ball of the match.  It was the first defeat of the tour for the Aussies whose aim was to emulate Don Bradman’s 1948 ‘Invincibles’.  In a match where batsmen retired on reaching 50, but could bat again at the fall of the last wicket, Ian Petherick made a quick start for the visitors and soon retired on 52. All the other batsmen got established and there were plenty of boundaries struck on a fast outfield but it was left to Phil Drescher to add momentum at the end after some tight bowling by Andrew Wingfield-Digby and Stephen Wilson.  The Australian total of 249 looked formidable considering they had dismissed both Wales and Hampshire for less than a hundred.

However, openers Ian Caunce and Derek Watts took on the Australian attack with Caunce retiring on 51 from 53 balls and his partner making 47 including eight 4s.  After a first wicket stand of 107 Oxfordshire lost four quick wickets before Steve Partington and Jerry Senior steadied the ship with a partnership of 48.  Skipper Wingfield Digby then hit a quick fire 33 to put the home side back in the hunt.  A flurry of runs and wickets meant Oxfordshire needed 17 from the last over and the fall of Jerry Senior from the first ball, for a well-made 35, brought Ian Caunce back to the crease. The next three balls disappeared for 4,4,6 to make the home side favourites but, amid much tension, number 11 Stephen Wilson was injured during a scrambled two to bring the scorers level. With a runner at the non-striker’s end and the field in tight, Caunce didn’t disappoint and smashed the ball past point to the jubilation of his team mates.

Not surprisingly Ian Caunce received the man-of-the-match award for his unbeaten 68 from 58 balls and the Aussies may not be looking forward to bowling to him again when he represents England in the up-coming Test match.  As for Oxfordshire 60+ they can reflect on the fact that they are unbeaten in international cricket this summer having beaten both Wales and Austalia!


Hampshire 60+ vs Australia 60+ Touring Team Sunday 7 June 2015 at IBM Hursley

Hampshire 84 all out off 41.4 overs Australia 85-5 off 34.4 overs Australia won by 5 wickets

Hampshire were given the dubious privilege of hosting a powerful Australian touring X1 in their first game of an intensive tour ? 18 games in 27 days including 3 Test matches against England X1s. The playing curriculum vitae in their tour brochure suggested they were a formidable outfit & so it proved. Invited to bat, Hampshire were without batters Geoff Beale, Terry Morton & Jon Floyd so posting a competitive total was always going to be difficult. The Aussie attack led by their captain Cooke (who else) tore into the Seniors batting line up. It would be fair to say the standard of bowling was somewhat above that normally experienced in County games ? England beware! Aided by a problematic pitch, only Chris Wood (18*) & Tony Adams (16) provided any real resistance as Hampshire stuttered to 84 all out. Rex (Wrecka) Bennett (9-2-16-4) was the leading bowler & Aussie Man of the Match.

Hampshire’s bowlers made a spirited reply in what always appeared a lost cause. All performed tidily eventually taking 5 wickets to cast an air of respectability on proceedings. Chris Wood was nominated as Hampshire?s leading player. Many of the Aussies seem to be vastly experienced tourists. At least we were able to offer them a beautiful setting at Hursley & good hospitality on a sunny afternoon. No doubt some of us will meet up later in the tour. Mike Swain & Jim Smallbone will be representing England in the fixture at Middleton-on-Sea on Sunday 28 June. Dick Batchelor ? Scorer

June 7thAustraliaBeatHampshire
 85-5, 34.4 OversBy 5 Wickets84 All Out, 41.4 Overs
  Rex Bennett 4-16
June 8thAustraliaBeatWiltshire
 238-1, 45 OversBy 70 Runs168 All Out, 41 Overs
 D Corby 51 Rt, J Stackpole 50 Rt, G Mcllwain 52 Rt, N King 37*T Mynott 50, J Martin 5-20
June 10thAustraliaBeatSomerset (T)
 242-6, 42 OversBy 6 Wickets236-3. 45 Overs
 J Dedman 50 ret, M Harrison 51 ret, P Drescher 51 ret, Nigel Belletty 2 catches and 1 stumpingGraham Poulton 52 ret, John Thackray 50 ret, Richard Newport 50 ret, Brian Scott 3-36
June 11thAustraliaBeatDevon
 158-5, 38 OversBy 5 Wickets156 All Out, 39.4 Overs
 Dave Corby 40, Murray Harrison 40Barry Flicker 30
June 14thAustraliaBeatWales (T)
 250-6, 45 OversBy 194 Runs56 All Out, 26.4 Overs
 J Dedman 63, Phil Drescher 51, G Voke 4-60R Bennett 5-8
June 15thAustraliaBeatGloucestershire
 255-5, 45 OversBy 67 Runs188-7, 45 Overs
 Ian Petherick 52 not out, K. Meilke 52 not outG. Clarke 51 not out
June 17thAustraliaLost toOxfordshire
 249-4, 45 Overs 250-9, 45 Overs
 Ian Petherick 52 Rt, Phil Drescher 51 RtI Caunce 68 no, D Watts 47 no, M Harrison 3-34, J Martin 3-43
June 18thAustraliaBeatBerkshire
 133-1, 31 OversBy 9 Wickets132 All Out, 43.1 Overs
 James Martin 52 Rt, John Dedman 50 RTRobin Court 3-15
June 19thAustraliaBeatBuckinghamshire
 235-4, 40 OversBy 30 Runs205-6, 40 Overs
 Dave Corby 51 Tr, Ian Petherick 51 Rt, Murray Harrison 47Graham Keens 47, John Pothecary 45 Not Out
June 21stAustraliaLost ToEngland
 166-8, 50 OversBy 71 Runs237-7, 50 Overs
 G. Quinn 43, Phil Drescher 40Neil Calvert 96, Chris Swadkin 57, C.Cooke 4-33
June 22ndAustralia (T)BeatEssex
 238-6, 44 OversOn Run rate97-4, 32 Overs
 G Quinn 50 Rt, P Logue 50 Rt, D Evans 5-39 
June 24thAustralia (T)Lost toHertfordshire
 211-5, 45 OversBy 6 WicketsD Elder 50 retired, E Riddle 50 retired, K Martin 51 retired.
 M Harrison 51 retired, I Petjerick 43, P Logue 41, T Hassan 3-38 
June 25thAustraliaBeatCambridgeshire
 278-6, 45 OversBy 159 Runs119 All Out, 41.4 Overs
 P Drescher 51 Rt, J Dedman 50 Rt, G Quinn 50 Rt, M Harrison 40 
June 26thAustraliaBeatBedfordshire
 163-3, 33.5 OversBy 7 Wickets162-6, 45 Overs
 P Drescher Rt, Ian Petherick 45P Mustoe 52 Rt, J Martin 3-25
June 28thAustraliaBeatEngland
 217 All Out,By 27 Runs190-9, 50 Overs
 Phil Drescher 67, Rex Bennett 41Chris Swadkin 71, Keith Daniels 30, Greg Quinn 3-30
June 29thAustralia (T)BeatSussex
 286-2, 45 OversBy 135 Runs151 All Out
 Jack Stackpool 50 Rt, Neil King 50 Rt, Patrick Logue 50 RtBob Page 42
July 1stAustraliaLost toSurrey
 181-6, 45 OversBy 7 Wickets183-3, 37 Overs
   
July 2 &/3AustraliaBeatEngland
 263 All Out , 79.5 OversBy 71 Runs192 All Out, 51.5 Overs
 P Logue 47, M Harrison 44, R Bennett 44, R Swann 4-51, N Andrews 3-51Ian Caunce 78, Rex Bennett 3-46

INTERNATIONAL : ENGLAND v SCOTLAND June 7th 2015

England O60’s made the 475 mile one way trip to Stenhousmuir next door to Falkirk and Grangemouth, North West of Edinburgh. The weather was not good in the proceeding two days with virtually non stop rain and drizzle. However, the massive ground at Stenhousmuir C.C. saw a 110 yard boundary on one side and with a wind blowing across at Force 4 or 5, not one single boundary was reached for the whole match on that side…!

England winning the toss, elected to bat on a hardish wicket, but Scotland?s opening bowlers, both current League cricketers, really varied their options and both Ray Swann and John Lund struggled to lay a bat on anything. Lund survived the first 10 overs but the spin of Young saw the Norfolkman look aghast as it pitched outside leg and took offstump (photo on net!)
Swann was dropped three times but when he had scored 20, he pulled a calf muscle and had to retire. Nick Andrews joined Alan Hampshire and they took the score to 59 before Hampshire (20), Andrews (9) and Paul Mustoe (0) all fell in quick succession. 73-4 in 31 overs. Not so promising. However, Martin Ivill (32) and Steve Edwards (35) steadied our slightly apprehensive captain sitting in the pavilion and with the wind now gale force, Bob Plowman, being a leftie, was quickly promoted to take advantage of the 60 yard boundary! Which he did in some style courtesy of his 3lb 20z bat from Red Ink, 6 second ball, 623111241611 in his quickfire 29 in very little time to push England up to 178-8 with Swann 25 not out and Martin Pearse 1 not out.

Scotland?s opener, Bob Angus, just hits. He did play 2 forward defensives, which was a real surprise. So when Richard Owen caught him off the economical Martin Ivill for 10, 1 became 3, as Scotland collapsed to 22-3, Steve Edwards claiming 1 and Ivill 2. However, Pat Moses and Keith Ferrie took the score slowly upwards to 76 before the introduction of Nick Andrews changed the dynamic completely.
Ivill finished his spell 10-3-22-2, a wonderful effort and with Phil Taylor and Bob Plowman?s spin frequently interchanged their analyses 8-2-25-1, 7-0-22-0, backed up with a re-galvanized Richard Owen snaffling 4, 3 caught and one smart stumping kept Scotland on the ropes.
Andrews, however, bowling from the pavilion end, was virtually unplayable and he was MOM for his second successive International with 10-2-26-5, a superb effort, with 48 overs bowled in 2 hours and 28 minutes, , Scotland all out for 133 !

A meal was provided and we would like to thank Stenhousmuir C.C. and Colin Neil, the Scotland Captain, for a very enjoyable day and the two nights at the MacDonald Inchyra Hotel, where the National press would have had a field day if the England Team had been 40 years younger…!

England 60+ Tour of Barbados

1st Test Match 6th March 2015

”A stunning 7 run victory  by the England Over 60 XI against a Collis King inspired Barbados.
England made a steady start but following a middle order collapse it was a brilliant stand by international debutants Neil Calvert ( Lincolnshire)39 and Dave Pegg ( Northamptonshire)31* that saw England through to a competitive 168 in their 35 overs.
In reply Barbados struggled against accurate England bowling with spinners Dave Tee and Trevor Shales only conceding 40 runs from their 14 overs but a brilliant innings from Collis King kept Barbados in the match until he was smartly caught and bowled by skipper Bob Eames for 63. This proved to be the turning point as England scraped home by 7 runs in a gripping match

6th March :
England Over 60- 168 for 7 (N Calvert 39, D Pegg 31no, D Sowe 24, M Byford 24, E Riddle 20 V Williams 2 for 21, W Herbert 2 for 25)
Barbados Over 60 – 161 for 9 (Collis King 63, T Shales 2  for 17, D Tee 2 for 23, R Eames 2 for 23, D Pegg 2 for 49)

2nd Test Match 8th March 2015

England batted first in this day/night match and struggled against the accurate Barbados bowling with the score after half the overs only a paltry 51 for 4 . However a brilliant knock by Neil Calvert who had good support from skipper Nick Andrews enabled England to post 154 in their 35 overs .
England looked on course to win especially after Collis King was dismissed cheaply but a couple of missed chances and  a “carribean  classic” innings from No 7 batsman Ricky Moore who included 5 sixes and 3 fours in his 48no took Barbados to victory with two overs to spare under the brilliant floodlights on this huge ground , on what was a beautiful Barbados evening.

8th March :
England 154 for 6 (Calvert 57, Andrews 23 C King 3 for 23)
Barbados 155 for 7 ( Moore 48no , Pegg 2 for 26)
Barbados won by 4 wickets


Other Results

28th Feb : England 60+ Tourists 93 all out (N Calvert 30, E Riddle 21, C Watson 18 no, R Young 5-16) ,
BCL Western Stars Over 60’s 94-8 (D Clarke 44 no, A Gallant 3-16, T Shales 2-17, D Pegg 2-18).
BCL Wetsern Stars won by 2 wickets

1st March : BCL Southern Raiders Over 60’s 133-7 (W O’Keefe 29, T Knight 24 no, N Andrews 2-22, F Braganza 2-32),
England 60+ Tourists 134-5 (S Unwin 50 no, D Tee 50, N Andrews 19, D Rowe 2-45).
England 60+ Tourists won by 5 wickets

3rd March : Engalnd 60+ Tourists 186-1 (N Calvert 32 no, R Eames 30 rtd, G Sainsbury 30 rtd, T Parsons 22 rtd)
CL Northern StarsOver 60’s 186 all out (R Marshall 43 no, L Kneld 33, R Straker 29, S Marriot 5-30, R Eames 2-49).
Match Tied !!

5th March : England 60+ Tourists 137 for 9 (T Parsons 51 N Calvert 17no A  Green 3 for 24, T Parris 3 for 28)
BCL Central Lights 138 for 9 (V Williams 21, F Springer 20 . L Daniels 20, D Burton 3 for32 B Thorpe 2 for 27)
BCL Central Lights Over 60 won by 1 wicket

5th March : Select 201 for 6 (W Haynes 58, H Sargent 51, M Corbyn 47, S Marriott 3 for 20)
England 60+ Tourists 155 for 8 ( S Marriott 44no, C France 27rt, D Pegg 24, S Unwin 20rt
Maxwell Select won by 46 runs

2014

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2014- ENGLAND 70+ vs WALES 65+

I thought you might be interested to learn the results of the England 70+ Test matches against Wales 65+ played in south east Wales.   Two days before we left for the Principality our star batsman, John Stuck, was forced to pull out with a slipped disc.   John’s 70+ average for Essex is – 7 innings, runs scored 548, top score 136*, average 182.66.  He had scored three centuries and two fifties in the 70+ Championship in 2014 and would be a great loss.   Fortunately, at very short notice, Derek Ebbage of Worcestershire, was drafted into the squad.

The Touring Party stayed at the Hampton by Hilton Hotel at Newport East – a new Hotel only three years old which was ideally located as a base to travel to the three grounds chosen to host the Test Matches.   None of the grounds were more than 30 minutes from the Hotel.

The first game was at Sudbrook Cricket Club in Caldicot.   I won the toss and decided to bat whereupon I was advised that the Welsh had a 45 year old wicket-keeper and several other players in their early sixties.   With only 52 runs scored in the first twenty overs I suspected that the decision to bat was wrong.   Barry Peay from Sussex top scored with 46 from over 100 balls and the difficult batting was also experienced by George Fox (Leicestershire) who reached 38 in 76 balls. Derek Ebbage (Worcestershire) was run out for 24 and Roger Maynard (Surrey) scored 19.   In 45 overs, England had struggled to 157 for 7.   Colin Davies took 3 for 29 in 7 overs and Gordon Voke (the Welsh Manager) 2 for 32 in 9 overs. The home Country had little problem in reaching the required runs for the loss of only 2 wickets.   Rob Pendleton was not out on 78; Keith James not out 40; and Geoff Thomas 22.   Udho Maharaj (Sussex) took 1 for 21 in 9 overs and Hugh Milner (Sussex) 1 for 36 also in 9 overs.   Not a good start against a “young” Welsh side – a loss by 8 wickets.   The Welsh man of the match was Rob Pendleton whilst the English man of the match was Barry Peay.

The second Test Match was to the superb ground at Usk Cricket Club.   On this occasion, Andy Timpson, an apparently young Englishman captaining the younger Welsh side, won the toss and elected to bat.   A smart bit of fielding by Bob Perrett (Suffolk), positioned at fine leg, ran out opening bat Garfield Morgan for 6 runs.   A 70 run 3rd wicket partnership between Malcolm Lewis and Gordon Voke was followed by an 86 run 5th wicket partnership between Gordon Voke and Ron Walton which helped take the Welsh score to 248 for 5 wickets.   Gordon Voke was not out 101 and Malcolm Lewis scored 47.  Best bowling analysis was by Ray Waite (Northamptonshire) who took 3 for 57 in his 9 overs with Hugh Milner ending with one wicket for 32 runs.   Jeff Baxter (Leicestershire) took two stumpings.   England’s start was poor with the first four wickets falling for 25 runs.   With the score on 68 for 6 after the 25th over Milner joined Perrett and between them took the score to 127 without further loss.   Bob Perrett 69* and Hugh Milner 19*.   Peter Betteley, John Storey and Andy Timpson each took 2 wickets.   England lost by 121 runs.   Gordon Voke won the Welsh man of the match with Bob Perrett winning the English trophy.

The final match was played at Croesyceiliog Cricket Club.   A ground with a slope that made the Lords’ ground appear level but had a lovely view across the valley to the hills opposite.   England won the toss and asked the Welsh to bat.   Wickets fell regularly with the English bowlers and fielders restricting the batsmen to few opportunities.   It was only Bob Pendleton (Wales Man of the Match at Sudbrook) with 26 and the Welsh captain, Ronnie Walton, 36 who helped the home side to 144 all out.   Udho Maharaj finished with figures of 3 for 17 in 7.4 overs; Alan Cook (Leicestershire) 2 for 12 in 6 overs; and Bob Perrett 2 for 25 in 9 overs.   The English men soon set about the Welsh bowlers with George Fox scoring 32; Derek Ebbage (Worcestershire) 55; and Barry Peay not out 33.   Ronnie Walton bowled his 9 overs and took 1 wicket for 5 runs.   England won this game by 7 wickets.   Derek Ebbage won the English man of the match with Ronnie Walton taking the Welsh trophy.

After the game the England Captain and Manager, Hugh Milner presented the Welsh Manager, Gordon Voke, with the Series Trophy.

The England team was represented by 15 players from Essex; Hampshire; Kent; Leicestershire; Northamptonshire; Shropshire; Somerset; Suffolk; Surrey; Sussex; and Worcestershire

England 60  v Scotland Seniors
Monday 9th June 2014 , Norton Cricket Club, Stockton on Tees

40 Over Match

On arrival, steady drizzle following heavy overnight rain meant the outfield was totally saturated. England inserted, were indebted to a master class of batting by Ray Swann, whose 76 in 33 overs underpinned the England innings. John Taylor (10) started aggressively but found the conditions not conducive to attack and the bowlers ruled. Nick Andrews (29) and Swann put on a stand of 73 and two wickets fell at 134 in a good 5 over spell for the Scottish side. However, Martin Ivill (26*) and skipper Martin Pearse (13*) put on 40 in the last 6 overs to give England a challenging 174-4. Scotland, or rather Barry Angus, started like a rocket. 4 bang, mid wicket. 6 bang long on. This in the first 4 balls. Field spread and the bowling victim Chris Lees then caught a stunning catch to retrieve the situation.
Martin Ivill 4-2-9-1, bowled beautifully but with six quality spinners available, that route was taken. Indeed Steve Edwards, probably the most mean  run denier in the  ECB50 and Seevent 60, only got one over!  Micky Kenyon 8-3-15-1, was far too accurate for any liberties to be taken, backed up by Nick Andrews 8-0-22-3, Ray Swann 8-0-32-2, and Phil Taylor 8-0-34-1.
Most of the England innings and a fair proportion of the Scotttish was played in light rain so it was extremely slippery and difficult. In the end Scotland fell 31 short in their 40 overs, with captain and organiser Colin Neill on 22 not out. But bowlers ruled and we have to thank Norton Cricket Club, Keith and Sheila Symington, Groundsmen JJ and Dave Cook for stepping in at very short notice to play the second match on their ground, after Burnopfield was under water the day before.  

England 60  v Durham O50 ECB Champion County 8th June 2014

A buzzing club in the North East, Norton Cricket Club, hosted the inaugural match between  England 60 and the previous seasons ECB Champion County, Durham.
Durham inserted, found batting difficult against the accurate Barry Jones (Shropshire) 10-0-15-2, an immaculate spell. And he had two catches dropped!.
Opener Gary Purcell batted for 160 minutes for 67, with the spinners Swann 10-0-43-2,  Bob Plowman 10-1-27-0, and Alan Blank 10-0-38-2, bowling in tandem. So the home side ended up on 171-9 in their 50 overs, a late sortie by Peter Smith with 26 boosting the total.
England chasing 171-9 in 50 overs found the bowling extremely tight on a predictable slow wicket and outfield. Considering the massive downfall the day before, it was truly amazing the two groundsmen, Dave Cook and JJ even managed to allow us out there! After 23 overs England were 44-2, both Davy Jones (5) and Malcolm Wright (4) struggling. Mark Surridge (9) was unluckily lbw to put England 67-3 on 29. Eric Riddle and Elwyn Jones put together a stand of 50 before the former was bowled by Anderson for 67 in 43rd over. So with 7 overs to go and Ray Swann on 1 not out, Elwyn Jones on 22 not out, the heavens opened!

2013

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THE ASHES FOR THE OVER 70s

SEEVENT SENIOR 70+ ASHES 2013

FIRST TEST MATCH

ENGLAND 70+ VS AUSTRALIA 70+ England won the toss and chose to bat.
England 164 for 8 in 50 overs. Neil Blackey (Hampshire) 44; Ron Martin (Berkshire) 23*; Hugh Milner (Sussex) 22. Bob Cotgrove (Tasmania) 3 for 27 in 10 overs; Robert Ziehlke (New South Wales) 2 for 29 in 10 overs.
Australia 100 all out in 38.4 overs. Des Lloyd (Victoria) 31. Hugh Milner (Sussex) 4 for 16 in 8 overs; Peter Tudge (Worcestershire) 2 for 25 in 10 overs; Roger Maynard (Surrey) 2 for 37 in 9 overs.
England won by 64 runs

Umpies: Neil Paterson & Geoff Prouton
Scorer: Dick Batchelor

SECOND TEST MATCH

ENGLAND 70+ VS AUSTRALIA 70+

Gordon Ives (Australia) won the toss and chose to bat.
Australia 235 for 7 in 50 overs. Bob Zielhke (New South Wales) 106; Graeme Crole (Tasmania) 24*. Brian Scollay (Sussex) 2 for 52 in 10 overs.
England 236 for 2 in 46.4 overs. Neil Blackey (Hampshire) 78; John Anderson (Sussex) 67; Barry Peay (Sussex) 52*; Brian Booth (Sussex) 33*. Bob Wilton (South Australia) 2 for 28 in 6 overs.
England won by 8 wickets

Umpires: Bill Fletcher; David Morris
Scorer:Geoff Hillier

The Third Test at Sunbury on Thames Cricket Club on the 22nd August was rained off.

Other Results

12 August at Bewdley v Worcestershire, (Australia won the toss). Australia 146-5 in 45 overs, Worcestershire 147-1 in 40 overs (C Coombes 53 no). Worcestershire won by 9 wkts.
19th August at Old Buckenham v Norfolk/Suffolk, (Australla won the toss). Australia 167- 6 in 45 overs (Freshwater 35), Norfolk/Suffolk 168-7 in 43.5 overs (Cobb 38no, Smith 34). Norfolk/Suffolk won by 3 wickets

Vice Presidents

Scyld Berry, Henry Blofeld, Roland Butcher, Paul Farbrace, Barry Hearn OBE, Sir Tim Rice

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