‘Gangbusters’: Veteran’s Cricket a hit on Gold Coast

Gold Coasters are part of an explosion in Veteran’s Cricket across the country that shows no signs of slowing down, according to Over-50s skipper Gary Lovett.

Masters cricket is exploding on the Coast. Training at Mudgeeraba Cricket Club are from left to right Gary Lovett, Phil Hopgood, John Guiver, Wayne Lee, David Russell, Steve Baker. Picture Glenn Hampson

They might not be as quick or hit the ball as hard as they once did but the Gold Coast’s golden oldies are gearing up for a new season of Veteran’s Cricket.

Around 80 cricketers from the Gold Coast and surrounds will take on the best of southeast Queensland in the Over-40s, Over-50s and Over-60s divisions from this weekend.

They are part of an explosion in Veteran’s Cricket across the country that shows no signs of slowing down, according to Coast Over-50s skipper Gary Lovett.

“Veteran’s Cricket is going absolutely gangbusters,” the 51-year-old said.

Masters cricket is exploding on the Coast. Training at Mudgeeraba Cricket Club are from left to right Gary Lovett, Phil Hopgood, John Guiver, Wayne Lee, David Russell, Steve Baker. Picture Glenn Hampson

“There aren’t too many quick singles - and we turn plenty of twos into lazy singles - but there are guys in their 60s who are still fit and get around pretty well on a cricket field.

“The body may not be what it used to be but players are certainly smarter.”

Lovett says love for the game has kept many players coming back long after their peers have given away the bat and ball.

Fixtures are competitive without going overboard, with a post-match beer shared with teammates and opposition players just as important as hitting the winning runs.

The mental health benefits flow from there as men gather in a social environment many thought they’d lost when they first retired from team sport.

A wealth of tournament fixtures are the carrot on the stick for players keen to press their representative claims.

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Masters cricket is exploding on the Coast. Training at Mudgeeraba Cricket Club are from left to right Gary Lovett, Phil Hopgood, John Guiver, Wayne Lee, David Russell, Steve Baker. Picture Glenn Hampson

Queensland selected six Veteran’s teams to contest a National Championship in Perth last year, with Australian teams picked to travel to South Africa for the 2020 Veteran’s Cricket World Cup.

COVID-19 has prevented that from happening but the hunger for representative honours drives some cricketers to optional training each week.

“Training is a turn-off for some, but there’s nothing better than getting off work and coming down for a bat and a bowl,” Lovett said.

“The chance to keep having a run around with your mates… I must admit I’m enjoying it.”