A GAME FOR THE AGES

One of the best recent trends in cricket has been the rapid growth of options for older or 'veteran' cricketers looking to play and stay involved with their peers in the game - including regional and national tournaments, and the development of World Cups in special places around the globe!

In 2023, International Masters Cricket incorporated the four age groups that currently play international Masters cricket – over-40s, over-50s, over-60s and over-70s – into the same administration for the first time. There are now 14 member countries, leading to many great touring opportunities

Central Districts Cricket doesn't formally administrate Masters Cricket in our region, but we're only too pleased to introduce you to the friendly people who are coordinating CD veterans teams and opportunities in our region, and beyond

Check out the news and your options below

_______________________

DISTRICTS EVERGREENS OVER 50s

_______________________

𝐇𝐄𝐘 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝟓𝟎𝐬!

Our DISTRICTS EVERGREENS Over-50s cricket team is calling all interested players to try out for this season's team! Trials are coming up in Hamilton on 20 OCT 2024

The Districts Evergreens is for over-50s men from our North Island CD regions, and is a combined CD/ND team for all abilities - everyone welcome to join in the fun

Nelson & Marlborough Over 50s meanwhile play for the Tasman Firehawks, along with Wellington 0-50s players

The Districts Evergreens trials are on Sunday 20 Oct, 12-3pm, at the Waikato University Nets in Hamilton - open to all over 50s fellas - register your interest now by clicking the button below

A selected Districts Evergreens team will be playing matches against the Auckland Over 50s in November 2024

Plus, they'll be selecting TWO Districts Evergreens teams to compete at the next annual National Tournament in Auckland, happening 6-10 January 2025

So if you're nearing your 50th, or over 50 already, and keen to get involved, register your interest now by hitting the button below to email an expression of interest in the TRIAL!

_____________________________

DISTRICTS OVER 50s

_____________________________

The DISTRICTS EVERGREENS 'A' and 'B' TEAMS comprise players from both the Central Districts and Northern Districts regions, united by a common bond and goal of beating teams like Canterbury and Auckland at national tournaments!

The 2023/24 NZ Inter Provincial Tournament was held in Dunedin and Mosgiel in mid-January 2024. It was the fifth annual nationals. Games were played at Sunnyvale, Brooklands and Memorial Park with the tournament featuring eight teams — two each from Auckland, Districts, Wellington-Tasman and Otago-Canterbury — across two divisions

• CONTACT Greg Shearer for more information about the Districts Evergreens Over 50s here

• JOIN the Districts Evergreens Over 50s Facebook Group to follow the latest news and updates here

Players nearing 50 are welcome to apply.

However, please note that you will need to be 50, if selected, to represent New Zealand.

_______________________

NEW ZEALAND OVER 50s

_______________________

Learn more about exciting national and international opportunities at this age level by following the New Zealand Over 50s cricket Facebook page here

Did you know that in March 2024, an Over 50s international Quad Series was held right here in CD, at Blenheim's Horton Park?

New Zealand, New Zealand 'A', Australia and USA took part as a major build-up event for the next Over-50s World Cup, coming up in Sri Lanka in the second half of 2024. Follow the Over 50s cricket Facebook page for all details and scores!

_______________________

NEW ZEALAND OVER 40s

_______________________

2022/23 was the first ever season of organised men's Over 40s cricket in New Zealand, with Hastings-based Peter Connell captaining the Districts team.

Learn more about this new structure by following the New Zealand Over 40s cricket Facebook page here

Nelson and Marlborough players can join in with the Wellington Tasman Firehawks team at this level - contact Ben Homan on 022 658 0028.

North Island players in our region should make contact with the Districts (combined CD and ND provinces) team.

The International Masters Cricket Over-40s World Cup was held in Cape Town, South Africa in February and March 2024, get involved to be part of the next one!

_________________________________________

CENTRAL DISTRICTS OVER 60s

_________________________________________

The 2023/24 New Zealand Over-60s Nationals were hosted in Hawke's Bay in March 2024, at Napier's Nelson Park and Taradale Cricket Club

It was a big season for the New Zealand Over 60s who headed off to the second edition of the Over 60s World Cup in Chennai, India in February-March 2024 as well.

Several players from CD were selected in that squad, along with team manager Steve Cunningham from Taranaki. The NZ squad:

Graeme Inglis (c) Canterbury

Greg Alexander, CD

Dean Askew, Auckland (Central Stags Alumnus)

Russell Drake, Canterbury

Craig Gibb, Canterbury

Tony Gray, Canterbury

Duncan Hutchinson, Wellington

Mike Johnston, Canterbury

Chris Kennedy, Canterbury

Mark MacMillan, ND

Craig Morris, CD

Andrew Nuttall, Canterbury

Mark Paton, Auckland

Martin Pennefather, CD

Neil Rogers, ND

Greg Shearer CD

Roger Stachurski, CD

Playing for the CD Over 60s team is your first step on exciting journeys like these. To learn more, CONTACT Greg Shearer for more information by emailing Greg here

You can also discover more about the national Over 60s (and 70s) cricket teams here

PS, check out the delightful One News video feature on the New Zealand Over 60s national tournament, below

_________________________________________

CENTRAL DISTRICTS OVER 70s

_________________________________________

New Zealand Over 70s is sending a team to the very first Over 70s World Cup, in London, England from 28 July 2024

New Zealand will be competing against Over 70 teams from Sri Lanka, England, India, Australia, Wales and Canada for the inaugural title - as well as enjoying a trip of a lifetime!

Learn more about New Zealand Over 70s cricket opportunities by visiting the Masters Cricket Facebook page here