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England 70+ News Page

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		Date	Opposition	Venue	Result
1	Friday	28/07/2023	Surrey	Chipstead CC	Australia by 7 Wickets
2	Sunday	30/07/2023	Kent	Kent County Cricket Ground, Canterbury	Abandoned
3	Tuesday	01/08/2023	Suffolk	Copdock CC	Australia by 19 Runs
4	Friday	04/08/2023	Hertfordshire	Hertford CC	Australia by 12 Runs
5	Sunday	06/08/2023	England 1st ODI	Colchester & East Essex CC	England by 54 Runs
6	Tuesday	08/08/2023	Lincs / Ridings	Harrogate CC	Lincs/Ridings by 6 wickets
7	Friday	11/08/2023	Cheshire	Chester Boughton Hall CC	Australia by 7 Wickets
8	Sunday	13/08/2023	England 2nd ODI	Wellington CC	England by 91 Runs
9	Wednesday	16/08/2023	Wales ODI	Newport CC	Australia by 141 Runs
10	Friday	18/08/2023	Berks / Bucks	Taplow CC	Australia by 115 Runs
11	Sunday	20/08/2023	England 3rd ODI	Maidenhead & Bray CC	Match 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.

Game	Date	Opposition	Venue	Result
1	29/01/2023	Regional XI	Keith Manthey Oval, Gympie CC	Won by 20 Runs
2	31/01/2023	Brisbane XI	Caboolture CC, Morayfield	Won by 22 Runs
3	02/02/2023	President's XI	Maroochydore CC, Buderim	Won by 12 Runs
4	05/02/2023	1st ODI	Redland Tigers CC Birkdale	Lost by 6 Wickets
5	07/02/2023	New South Wales Blues	Newcastle	Won by 4 Wickets
6	09/02/2023	NSW Waratahs	Tamworth No1 Oval	Match Cancelled
7	12/02/2023	2nd ODI	Googee Oval, Sydney	Won by 102 Runs
8	14/02/2023	ACT / Southern NSW XI	Chisholm Oval, Canberra	Won by 6 Wickets
9	16/02/2023	Victoria	Rose Bowl Ground, Benalla	Won by 2 Wickets
10	19/02/2023	Victoria Chairman's XI	Caulfield Oval, Melbourne	Won by 109 Runs
11	21/02/2023	3rd ODI	Caulfield Oval, Melbourne	Won 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	Middlesex	Eddie Hill	Worcestershire
Martin Burgess	Sussex	Ian Caunce	Lancashire
Martin Southwell	Essex	Steve Sheppard	Somerset
Barry Hart	Surrey	Martin Woodward	Worcestershire
John Hall	Surrey	Derek Towe	Kent
Nick Andrews	Cambridgeshire	Trevor Spindler	Berks & Bucks
Brian Shipley	Berks & Bucks	Ken Jones	Suffolk
Roger Tidyman	Sussex

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