CRICKET IS A SPORT THAT HAS CAPTIVATED THE IMAGINATION AND SPORTING SPIRIT OF PEOPLE THE WORLD OVER. AMONG THEM IS GEMLIFE HIGHFIELDS’ RESIDENT NOEL MCINTYRE.
“It’s an exciting game and for me, as a bowler, there is nothing better than seeing the ball land on the wicket and the umpire call `out’. It’s exhilarating,” said Noel, a retired school teacher.
Noel has been playing cricket since he was a kid at school and continued playing regularly until he was well into his 30s. Life and a knee injury put a halt to it for some years after but, five years ago, he was enticed by long-time friend Ian Reimers to put on cricket whites once again as part of the newly formed Toowoomba Grey Cavaliers Veterans Cricket Club.
“It was funny how it all came about because Ian came up with the idea to form a local veterans’ cricket club after seeing some mature guys walking around in their cricket flannels on the Sunshine Coast.
“They told him they were with Queensland Veterans Cricket and before we knew it Ian had rounded up some old cricket buddies and we had formed a new club here in Toowoomba which has grown to host three division one, two and three teams for both the over 50s and over 60s,” said Noel.
Toowoomba players meet fortnightly and regularly compete against teams across South East Queensland and interstate.
“Teams can also vie for honours in both the Cooper Finlay Cup and the National Over 60s Cricket Championships, so there are plenty of opportunities to hit a sixer or bowl over the opposition. I used to be a batsman but nowadays I’m letting fly as a bowler, so my eye is always on the wicket.”
Two team members, who hail from Zimbabwe, are set to compete in the Over 60s World Cricket Cup being held on the Sunshine Coast from 2 to 14 September.
GemLife is sponsoring live feeds of the semi-finals on 11 September and grand final on 14 September.
Noel said the event, which will bring together players from Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, USA, Wales, West Indies and Zimbabwe, reflected the growth and popularity of over-60s cricket worldwide.
“It’s great for the sport and the players. Division one players in the over 60s can be very competitive and the teams often include former Sheffield Shield and other top-level players from around Australia and the world. Our club is hoping to organise a bus to take us to the World Cup on the Sunshine Coast to cheer on our guys!”
Cricket has been a big part of Noel’s life. It was at a Test Match in Brisbane 15 years ago where he reconnected with a long-time friend and co-worker, Kathryn, and the two are now happily married. As they say in the cricket world … `Howzat!’
Inaugural Over 60s World Cricket Cup
Queensland Veterans Cricket is hosting the first Over-60s Cricket World Cup on the Sunshine Coast from 2 to 14 September.
GemLife is proud to be sponsoring live feeds of the semi-finals on 11 September and the grand final on 14 September for those who can’t make it to the event which will showcase top over 60s cricketers from Australia and around the world as well as Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast.
Entry is free and cricket enthusiasts will be bowled over at the live action on the grounds with teams representing Canada, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, USA, Wales, West Indies, Zimbabwe and a Rest of the World team.
The event will be held on turf wickets at Maroochydore, Caloundra and Yandina.
Find out more about the Over 60s Cricket World Cup at over60scricket.com