Ray Finn still going strong at 71 for Buckley Park

Opening the batting and bowling isn’t something you associate with any local cricketer, especially a 71-year-old. But Ray Finn is bucking the trend.

Ray Finn is a little different to most local cricketers.

He opens the batting and bowling for Buckley Park. — and he’s doing it at the age of 71.

Despite his age, Finn is showing no signs of slowing down with the bat or ball.

Although these days his sons, Andrew and Matt, are probably outshining their old man a little more.

Ray doesn’t doubt he’ll always get the last laugh though.

“We’re probably the oldest father-son combinations that you’ll come against this season and maybe ever,” he joked.

“It’s pretty special I get to play with the two boys because it’s something I know all dads enjoy doing — playing with their kids.

“Matt and I shared a 100-run partnership last week and I only added about 16 runs there.

“Andrew then made 80-odd of his own. They had a bit of a laugh but I’ve made plenty of runs over the years.

“These days I’m more of a batsman who became a bowler. I bowl some gentle outswing and just rely on my experience.

Ray Finn, a 71-year-old cricketer who is continuing to open the batting and bowling in the lower grades at Buckley Park. He plays with his sons Andrew and Matt. Picture: Rob Leeson.

“I only the open the bowling because otherwise I get pretty tired and I might not add much after that. It’s better to get it over and done with.

“But as they say, I’m getting better with age just like a fine wine.”

Ray’s cricket career extends more than 40 years at Buckley Park, which competes in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association and is based in Essendon.

He saw the club formed under its current name when two clubs merged in 1982 including his previous side Teachers.

“I played there because I was a teacher, it kind of makes sense,” he laughed.

He found himself at a club in Melbourne after playing “80-odd games” for a former Ballarat team known as Victoria.

All up he has played more than 500 games and is grateful for the support of his family, especially wife Denise.

“I’ve had a fair few Saturdays of cricket,” he joked.

“I’ve been a president, secretary, treasurer — just about everything you can be but I absolutely love it.

“I don’t think I’ll be slowing down any time soon.”

Leader Local Cricket is on the hunt for Victoria’s most senior cricketer.

If a player at your club is more experienced than Ray, get in touch with us via email — [e-mail]