Picture: JAMES MURPHY
THE Border Cup cricket competition will return to Mount Gambier today with Adelaide, Hamilton, Geelong and the South East Coasters playing off across three days at Frew and Scott parks.
The annual competition has been played by veteran cricketers above the age of 60 for around 15 years and has also been hosted by Hamilton.
This season’s addition will be the first time an Adelaide side has competed in the Border Cup, which joins the Coasters as the second South Australian team.
All nine fixtures will be played in the one-day, 40-over format and the highest ranked side after the three days will lift the Border Cup.
However, unlike in the Barber Shield, no cricketer can bowl more than seven overs and once a batsman faces 25 balls, they must retire and resume their innings once everyone else has been to the crease.
South East Coasters cricket team president and regional curator Gary Ashby said the format works perfectly for the Border Cup as it brings every player into the contest.
“It gives everyone a chance to have a hit and gives at least seven bowlers a chance too,” he said.
Ashby said the competition will be played at a high standard and with plenty of skills on display.
“It is an over 60’s carnival and there will be players over the age of 70 out there as well,” he said.
“But it is a good competition because there are some fit blokes out there.
“It is just a slower pace of cricket, but there are some very good batters and bowlers out there who are very dedicated and love the game.”
Ashby said all the competing sides will be close to full strength, but both the South East team and newcomers Adelaide will experience some notable omissions.
“Unfortunately we (the Coasters) are without one of our top players Phil Verco, who plays in the state side,” he said.
“He will miss the first two games because he is overseas.
“Apart from that I would say we have a close to full strength side, but we have about 14 players to pick from who will all get a chance to play in the carnival.
“Hamilton and Geelong are very strong.
“Adelaide are always a good side because they have so many players to pick from, but they will miss two of their top players who are currently in New Zealand playing in the over-60’s test side.”
Ashby said he looks forward to the carnival as he believes the two venues are in top condition for the upcoming games.
“Honestly Frew Park looks an absolute picture,” he said.
“I do not think the ground has looked better and Scott Park is looking good too.”
The tournament will begin today with the South East Coasters hosting Hamilton at Frew Park and Adelaide will face Geelong at Scott Park.
Tomorrow’s action will see Adelaide play the South East Coasters at Frew Park, while Scott Park will host the all-Victorian, Hamilton and Geelong clash.
The competition will finish on Thursday with Geelong playing the South east Coasters at Frew Park and the final game will be between Adelaide and Hamilton at Scott Park.
