NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Every veteran cricketer has the opportunity to represent their state. It doesn’t matter what your ability, there’s a place for you at Veterans Cricket Australia’s annual National Championships.
Since the first “championships” in Canberra in 2006, the original six teams has grown to almost fifty spread across 5 or 6 divisions in the Over 60s alone, and the rapid rate of growth has seen Veterans Cricket Australia now include Men’s Over 50s, Over 60s and Over 70s. Women (Over 40) will hold their first Championships in November 2022, and it is also likely that there’ll be one for Over 40 Men. All up, close to 150 teams will be participating in VCA National Championships.
Tasmania has competed at every National Championship, and in 2022 will be sending 3 teams to the Over 50s and Over 60s, and 2 to both the Over 70s and Women’s events.
Tassie Devils (Division 2) Melbourne, 2014
Tassie Foresters (Division 3) Hobart, 2015
Many veteran cricketers are accompanied by their partners to these championships. Special social programmes are often organised, and entire new friendship groups that span the entire country established. Championships provide the opportunity to travel and make new acquaintances, and while the cricket is important, the social side of the championship week often has greater meaning.
Tassie Islanders (Division 4) Perth, 2016
Tassie Tigers (Division 1) Mooloolaba, 2013
AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATION
It’s every young (and old!) cricketer’s dream to wear “the baggy green”, and Australian representation is possible if you’re good enough. Selection is usually based on performances at the Championships with regular home and away tours taking place against England and New Zealand. World Cups featuring teams from South Africa and the sub-continent have also been held in recent years. A list of Tasmanians who have played for their country can be found on our Honour Board.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Tasmania and Victoria hold an annual Challenge series between the best teams available in each of the playing groups and the venue alternating from year to year. 2019 was a year to remember for Tassie with our home sides winning both the Over 50s and Over 70s.
Social tours all around the world are part of the veteran cricket calendar. These vary from a genuine 3+ week tour by one or two teams (selected by invitation) – Ireland / Scotland / Iceland, and Mexico / Jamaica / US / Canada are two that come easily to mind - to a mass migration of cricketers and their partners to a particular place – Darwin, Samoa or Honolulu for instance - for a multi-team week-long carnival. Contact: Derek Braidner, Exotic Cricket Tours derek2684@gmail.com
