Veterans' cricket in Victoria is alive and well.
Competition among the fast-growing over-50s, 60s and 70s sporting demographic has been keen as men and women revel in a sport they love and the benefits it brings.
Late last year the first Victorian representative women's veterans team received their caps and played against three NSW teams in a round robin.
Twenty Victorian men's teams also played in national championships during November - the Over 50s in Perth, Over 60s in Adelaide and Over 70s in Albury/Wodonga.
Between them the Victorians took out six of the 10 titles on offer.
Veterans' Cricket Victoria president Greg Johnson said more than 1500 Victorians are donning the whites. Nationally, there are more than 5000 registered players.
"It started back in 2003 when John Hammer was playing with Brighton fourths and struggling to keep up with the young blokes," Mr Johnson said.
"He's the founding father of vets' cricket, having organised the first ever over-60s game in the world between two Melbourne teams.
"Recently at the inaugural Veterans' Cricket Awards John was awarded life membership of Veterans' Cricket Australia, and Arthur Pritchard, who captained the Australian over-70s team to a clean sweep series win over England last year, became the first person admitted to the VCA Hall of Fame."
The benefits for men in particular have been significant.
"We call ourselves the physical men's shed," Mr Johnson said. "Women generally communicate and network very well - men tend to need a focal point to do it.
"The camaraderie is great. Sometimes on our mid-week games, it can be hard work getting the men out on the field again after lunch.
"It's very early days but we're aiming over the next 12 months to move to a women's national competition as well, with teams in every state."
Participants don't need to have a cricketing background and the emphasis is on participation and getting people "out on the park".
But Mr Johnson said for the top players there is also the opportunity to represent their state or country.
International tours during 2020 include the Over 50s World Cup in South Africa, an Over 70s tour to New Zealand and England and the inaugural Over 60s World Cup on the Sunshine Coast in October, followed by the Grey Ashes series against England.
Playing rules are tailored for veterans and new players are always welcome. Anyone interested can visit the Veterans Cricket Victoria website, look for their nearest club and make contact via phone or email.
0417-046-772, veteranscricketvictoria.org.au,
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