Victoria Veterans Cricket: Champions out to impress in state trial games

Some great names are listed to play in the Victorian Veterans Over 60s and 70s Country versus Metro trial games at Endeavour Hills on Tuesday.

Peter Dudderidge will captain the Over 60s Country side in the state trials on Tuesday.

They’ve played with the best, and been the best.

The 56 cricketers that will take to the field on Tuesday for the Over 60s and 70s Victoria Country versus Metro trial games can all boast high level achievements.

Phil O’Meara, whose distinguished playing career included time in Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield squad alongside the likes of Dennis Lillee, Rod Marsh and Kim Hughes, will captain the Over 70s Metro side.

Peter Dudderidge, a prolific scorer of runs for Keilor and known for his superb concentration, will skipper the Over 60s Country side, which will include Trevor Saker, the brother of former Shield star David and a splendid player in his own right.

Former chief executive of Nuffield International Jim Geltch is a splendid cricketer.

Leigh Hardham, who chalked up his 600th match for Murrumbeena last month, is in the Over 60s Metro side.

The Over 70s country side includes farming legend Jim Geltch.

While they may move a little slower these days, for all players cricket is in their blood, and always will be.

A Victorian cap is on offer, and they’ll be going flat out for it.

The trial games, which start at 10.30am, will be played on adjoining grounds at Sydney Pargeter Reserve, Power Road, Endeavour Hills.

State selectors will view players under competitive match conditions.

Both games will be 45 over format with some bowling and batting restrictions to be advised on the day by the captains and selectors.

Spectators are welcome.

THE SQUADS:

Over 60s Country: Ken Bailey, Chris Carr, Trevor Sing, Peter Le Lievre, Peter Miller, Ray Smith, Denis Brown, Peter Dudderidge (Captain), Graham Robertson, Jeff Cole, Graeme Wilson, Phil Hickleton, Dale Thornton, Trevor Saker.

Over 60’s Metro: Paul McDonald, Paul Morrey, Rex Bennett (Captain), Eric Glazner, Barry King, Leigh Hardham, Tony Balcombe, Peter Robertson, Michael Johnston, Craig Hodgson, Phil Hyde, Phil Jackson, Jay Stent, Peter Kemp, Michael Goldsmith.

Over 70’s Country: Peter Neville, Trevor Wilson, Kevin Lanigan (Captain), Carl Muscat, Ian Pritchard, Greg Lott, Jim Geltch, Ian Gibson (WK), John Costello, Ian Southall, Gordon Cowling, Ron Lovel, Michael Newton.

Over 70’s Metro: Ian Rowland, Phil O’Meara (Captain), Ian Gibson (ACS), Bryan Hancock, Greg Johnson, Arthur Pritchard, Noel Sharpe, Neil King, Ian Walters, Barry Jacquier, Graeme Renshaw (WK), Ron Kasputtis, Tim Spear.