After hosting South Africa’s first women’s T10 cricket tournament last year, Wanderers Cricket Club has not abandoned its pioneering spirit.
A small crowd gathered at the club for the start of the inaugural Wanderers Masters Cricket League, which only features players over the age of 40.
Children cheered on their fathers, and some even their grandfathers, as men in their 70s played quality cricket that showed their skill had in no way diminished over the years.
“Too many players leave the game in this country in their 30s, thus depriving younger cricketers the benefit of learning from their experience,” said Wanderers Cricket Club chairperson, Frank Auger.
Watch:
“We have decided to look at ways of bringing players back to the sport that they once enjoyed. In addition, we now have the added motivation of the Over 50s Cricket World Cup, the first edition of which took place in Australia last year.”
Four teams will compete in the Masters League in the coming weeks: Wanderers, Pirates Cricket Club, Old Edwardians, and Vagabonds. The format is 25-over matches, and Wanderers recorded a 27-run win against Vagabonds in the opening game on 11 May.
The second game will be played between Old Eds and Pirates on 25 May.
Auger said the tournament holds bonus incentive for players hoping to be selected for the team to play at the over 50s Cricket World Cup in Cape Town in March next year.
“Cricketers who had previously represented their country at the international level, or those who missed out, now have the opportunity of donning the green and gold again or for the first time.”
Related articles:
-
-
-
-
