VETERANS cricket took centre stage on Tuesday, when Mount Gambier played host to three one-day games between South Australia and Victoria.
Over 50’s, 60’s and 70’s matches were played at Malseed Park, Marist Park and Scott Park respectively and Victoria claimed the bragging rights with two victories to one.
The Over 50’s match at Malseed Park was the closest clash of the day, after South Australia clinched a thrilling win thanks to some last-over heroics.
Victoria batted first and lost early wickets.
But Tony Calnon and Brian I’Anson brought their team back in the game after they retired on 54 and 44 respectively.
After the pair’s solid contributions, South Australia’s attack restricted Victoria to 9/186 from its 45 overs.
Stewart Hallam, Kevin Winning and Gavin Read claimed two wickets each.
Despite an early setback, South Australia started its run chase well after John Mensforth retired and strong contributions from Anthony Telfer, Colin Petersen and Winning.
However, a series of middle-order wickets appeared to have destroyed South Australia’s hopes of victory, as Winning ran out of partners and could only watch as number-10 Hallam took guard for the final over.
With 18 runs required and five balls, Hallam brought the game to life when he struck two consecutive sixes.
Bowler Stephen Rando then hit back with a dot ball, before Hallam tied the scores with a boundary off the penultimate delivery.
The game finished in dramatic fashion when the final ball struck Hallam on the pad and the Victorian fielders were convinced they had their man, but the umpire did not raise his finger and the hosts scampered through for a leg bye to clinch the win.
Hallam finished as the hero with 19 not out and Winning remained unbeaten on 28.
The Over 60’s match at Marist Park was also a hard-fought affair.
Victoria was sent in to bat and scored a competitive 8/193.
South East’s Phil Verco ensured the home team’s run chase began positively, but once he was trapped lbw on 14, Victoria began to assert its authority.
Regular inroads troubled South Australia and Victoria was victorious by 51 runs.
South Australia found life difficult in the Over 70’s.
After a damp morning suspended the start of play, the home side struggled with the bat to be bowled out for a meagre 67.
Several visiting bowlers were successful, but they were led by Ron Lovel, who took three wickets.
The visitors eased to the under-par target with eight wickets and 22 overs in hand.
Ian Gibson and John Porter were the not out batsmen.
