New Zealand's Over 50s cricket team have proven they've still got it.

The GREYCAPS beat Australia's and Sri Lanka's Over 50 national representatives to not only win the highly competitive Tri-Series Trophy on their trip to Brisbane, but the Stirling Hamman Trophy for matches between New Zealand and the Aussies.

The final of the Tri-Series final at Peter Burge Oval was against the Aussies, and captain ADRIAN DALE's Kiwis left no room for countbacks with a magnificent seven-wicket victory against the hosts on their own turf.

Among the New Zealand squad was CD ALUMNUS, former Central Stags paceman DEAN ASKEW and Nelson wicketkeeper MASON ROBINSON who both contributed on the road to the GREYCAPS' first major piece of silverware.

The New Zealand reps won their opening game against Australia by four wickets - Askew striking in the first over of the game.

An untimely rainstorm unfortunately washed out the next four matches at the tournament, including two of New Zealand's games, but the players eventually got back on the park to play Sri Lanka and conjure up a thrilling three-wicket victory against a strong side.

A finals berth was secured and next up was the big one against the Old Enemy!

Opening the attack in the 45-over game, the ageless Askew may have gone wicketless in the final itself, but his tidy-as-ever economy rate of 4.00 was instrumental in building pressure, while Robinson contributed a stumping as the GREYCAPS restricted the Australians to 323/6.

Former BLACKCAP Richard Petrie (68) and Colin Owens (82 not out after an excellent debut tour) then combined in a 104-run opening stand that got the winning chase off to a cracking start, the title secured with 1.5 overs to spare.

Well done GREYCAPS!

 

The next major event in New Zealand over-50s cricket is the Inter-Provincial Tournament, to be held in Mt Maunganui in December 2022.

 

New Zealand is also sending two teams - New Zealand "A" and New Zealand "B" - to the Australian State Championships in Adelaide in November.

 

This all leads up to the Over-50s Cricket World Cup to be held in Cape Town, South Africa, in March 2023!

Images courtesy of NZ Over 50s

Article added: Monday 11 July 2022