The Gippsland Goannas over-70 cricketers welcomed the Ringwwod/Mountain District veterans to the Toongabbie Recreation Reserve last Sunday for the first match of the New Year.
Unfortunately the turf had had 44 millimetres of rain fall on it on Saturday afternoon, when a ferocious thunder storm hit it hard.
The match was transferred to the nearby Village Green, which was suitable for play.
Leigh Hardham, captain of one of the newest teams in the competition, and vice captain of the National Over-70 team, won the toss and asked the Goannas to bat first.
Neil Meredith (11) and Donald Cameron (3), the latter run out, were back in the pavilion by the end of the fifth over, with the score 2/16.
Murray Moore (23) and Ian Gibson (15) steadied the ship, both retiring after facing 30 balls, the home side 3/84 at the 20 over drinks break.
Ian Southall (21), Derek Morris (13), Chris Bowen (34), Bob Duljas and Gordon Cowling (19 not out), increased the intensity, as the Goannas finished on 9/175 after 40 overs.
After partaking afternoon tea back at the main ground, the Ringwood innings started, Southall bowling to Hardham, team mates in the National squad to play England in February, and then travel to New Zealand for several International games.
The matches will also feature other Goanna player, Ray Smith, whilst Ian Gibson will be the team manager.
Hardham retired for 33, as the score reached 44 after the first 11 overs bowled by Southall and Cowling (2/35).
Meredith (3/13) and Barry Nunn bowled the next nine overs, as the visitors went to drinks at 1/79.
Meredith found his mojo after the break, striking three times quickly, in a eight over spell which would earn him man of the match.
Morris (1/14) and Bowe (1/21) struck as the visitors reached 5/132 as the retired batsmen returned and the opening bowlers also returned.
Cowling hit the stumps twice and Gibson ran out Hardham with a good throw which left the visitors at 8/162 at the end of the 40th over.
The Goannas over-60 team will play on Sunday, with an away game against the Iona over-60’s.
The following weekend will see all Goannas teams in action, with the over-50’s set to travel to Ballarat, while both the over 60’s and 70’s will travel to Bendigo for a double header against their Victorian Country counterparts.
