The Central Districts Over 60s cricket team made history last week at the National Tournament in Napier.

Wooden spooners every year since the tournament began in 2016, four wins from five games meant the CD team finished in second place, with their victories over Otago and Northern Districts being the first they had ever achieved.

The only loss for the tournament was against an exceptionally strong Canterbury team which has never been defeated in Over 60s cricket.

One interesting feature was that the team batted second in every game.

Some outstanding individual performances were registered with Craig Morris fielding like a demon, bowling consistently when required, and picking up a few wickets - plus batting assuredly in the no. 3 position, topping 30 in all except the first game, and retiring at 40 on two occasions.

Greg Alexander also performed strongly with bat and ball with one retirement and vital not outs to see the team home in the first and last games.

Congratulations go out to Roger Stachurski (captain), Craig Morris, Greg Alexander, Steve Cunningham and Greg Shearer.

These players were selected to represent New Zealand in Perth later in the year with Stachurski, Morris and Alexander chosen for the NZ Division 1 team, Cunningham in Division 2 and Shearer in Division 4. Well done to everyone on a fantastic achievement that brightens up our day during these challenging times with the cyclone.

• Thank you to Taranaki Cricket Association for additional reporting

Article added: Tuesday 14 February 2023