From humble beginnings in 2008 when Qld played NSW in Tenterfield

From humble beginnings in 2008 when Qld played NSW in Tenterfield in the inaugural Over 60s Cooper Finlay Cup, veterans’ cricket has blossomed throughout Queensland and Australia.  John Bell, a stalwart of Ipswich and Queensland cricket represented Queensland in that first Cooper Finlay game.  

The following year the first National Titles were played in Tasmania.  Such is the growth of veterans’ cricket that the National Titles now boast multiple Divisions in Over 60s, Over 65s and Over 70s.  The younger brigade was also welcomed so that there is now Over 50s and Over 55s.

The South East corner boasts a full regional competition with teams from Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Redlands/Logan, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Lockyer and Toowoomba with over 500 players participating in the Over 60s and Over 50s with three Divisions in each age group.

The highest Division will always be very competitive whilst the lower Divisions are more of a “Cricket Men’s Shed”, enjoy the game and the folk playing it.

Ipswich has three current Australian representatives, Andrew Walsh, Simon Milton and Craig Mackay.

This year Ipswich’s Over 60 representatives in the Cooper Finlay are Andrew Walsh, Ray Zahnow, Jan Pettersson, Darryl O’Sullivan, Brad Hines, Gary Copeland and Brian Olsen.

Recently Simon Milton, Craig Mackay, Graham Andrews, Brett Schmidt and Kel Janke represented Queensland in the National Titles in Christchurch, NZ.

Additionally over the years many other players have donned the ‘Baggy Maroon’.  Jeff Evans, Nev Maroske, Col Taylor, Robson Lockey, Glen Jackwitz, David Lyons and Doug Meagher spring to mind and all are still playing the veterans game.

Cricket Ipswich, the Hornets has become the first Queensland cricket club to have a complete ‘cradle to grave’ pathway for players. Starting in the under 12’s and finishing in the Over 60’s cricket enthusiasts can now play all of their cricket with the one club, at the one home facility under the one administration. Congratulations to all who had a hand in creating this great opportunity for the Ipswich cricket fraternity.

With Ipswich’s proud sporting history you would think that we should be able to match the other regions, however the Sunshine Coast has over 90 players on their books in the Over 60s, the Ipswich Hornets had around 25.  The Hornets had three teams last season, an Over 50 Division 1, Over 60 Division 1 side and an Over 60 Division 2 side.  The Ipswich Hornets play home games at Ivor Marsden and training is at Limestone Park. Some practice games to dust of the cobwebs are planned as the season approaches.  The first game is expected to be April 13 with nominations required by early February. 

Could all returning players and new recruits please contact the co-ordinators Darryl O'Sullivan (0418 885 470) or Andrew Walsh (0432 595 105).