Coffs Coast Masters cricketers compete at national carnival

THE COFFS Coast Masters Cricket (Over 60s) side have taken on top teams from across the country.

The Coffs Coast team was one of 16 teams to compete in the Sunshine Coast National Club Carnival, one of the largest Masters Club Cricket Carnivals in Australia.

The side played four matches of Masters format cricket in five days.

The format of Masters cricket means everyone gets a go; in a one-day format of 45 overs per team, a maximum of six overs per bowler, and batters needing to retire if not out after facing 35 balls.

The opening day saw the Coffs Coast side up against Queensland Wombats at the Mooloolaba Cricket Complex.

Coffs Coast dismissed them for 187, with Terry Herbert taking 2-13 with both wickets in his first over, and Richard Spain taking 4-28 in his first game with the club.

After losing a few early wickets, Richard Spain (40 not out) and Barry Hill (21 not out) managed to provide a glimmer of hope, but unfortunately it was not enough to see the Coffs side over the line after being bowled out for 110.

Coffs Coast took on the Central Coast Cyclones on the second day, as they had a morale boosting victory in the beautiful village of Palmwoods.

Coffs Coast scored 210 after opening the batting, with Richard Spain (37 not out), Barry Hill (29 not out), Bruce Mackie (28 not out) and Brian Russell (24 not out) leading the way.

Central Coast finished on 182, with John Priddle taking 3-18 and Terry Herbert taking 2-19 to be the pick of the Coffs Coast bowlers.

Coffs Coast took on the undefeated Geelong on day three, with Geelong coming out strong to score 210.

Bruce Mackie, Michael Cheers and Terry Herbert kept their side in the game with their fine bowling.

Coffs Coast fell 62 runs short of victory after scoring 149, Richard Spain (25) and Bill Saker (22 not out) top scoring.

Coffs Coast took on Port Jackson (Sydney Metro) in their final game of the carnival, in the lovely township of Yandina.

Port Jackson had not lost a game, and bowled out the Coffs Coast for 103.

Bruce Mackie (30 not out) and Barry Hill (22 not out) were the top scorers, but the Coffs side didn’t have enough runs on the board to give their bowlers any chance of defending their target.

Coffs Coast Masters Cricket team member Barry Hill said it was a great week spent playing cricket with good mates.

“All up it was a terrific tournament and a great week of hard-fought cricket while spending time with good mates in the twilight of their cricketing careers,” he said.

Coffs Coast Masters Cricket trains every week throughout the year at the Bray St, Coffs Harbour nets, and encourage anyone over 60 who still feels the fire to compete to come by and join them.

For more information, contact Damian Madden (0488402867), Richard Cannon (0429661112) or Barry Hill (0428666903).

By Aiden BURGESS