A quick update on the busy word of Veteran’s Cricket – it’s a fast growing part of the game. Thanks to all the contributors to the Facebook groups for the intel.
Steven Hobson – NZ Over 40s World Cup Guyana.
After 22 days in Guyana the side has finished 9th out of 15 teams winning the bowl against Scotland in Georgetown. We are not sure how Steve got injured but seeing his arm in a cast in the photo’s pretty much is the reason with the Over 40s captain wasn’t playing. No doubt there will be a few great tales from his trip away.
Chris Kennedy – NZ Over 65’s trip to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Congratulations to club stalwart Chris Kennedy on his selection for the Over 65s IMC Tournament in Colombo, Sri Lanka in March 2027. The elegant top order strokemaker is a regular plays in the Foxes Masters team and is thrilled at the opportunity to represent NZ in an international tournament.
Craig Gibb – NZ Over 60s Q&A
Craig Gibb – NZ over 60s world cup winning captain – is currently in Australia representing NZ over 60s side in the an Australian state over 60s national tournament and was recently interviewed about NZ veterans cricket by Tony Panecasio.
Interview with New Zealand Captain Craig Gibb
Congratulations on what has been a stellar 12 months. Winning the Australian National Championships last year in Wollongong, then going undefeated in the World Cup in Canada to become joint champions.
What has been the key in NZs rise to World Champions?
Our player pool has steadily been getting deeper through more players coming through the pipeline from over 50s and 55s than was previously the case so we were able to assemble a strong squad for the World cup. Also our preparation was more thorough than previously with weekend camps, a hard fought winter series against Australia, and a focus on getting tournament fit.
As Captain, how do you take the team forward with the challenges that lay ahead?
In sport if you don’t keep improving you will be quickly overtaken so we need to try to keep making small improvements in all aspects, especially our mobility and fitness. We also need to embrace and integrate new players coming through from over 50s as they will be key to driving things forward performance wise.
How is the squad for the Nationals looking? New players?
We will be missing 5 key players from the World cup team who are unavailable, however we will welcome back opening bowler Duncan Hutchinson from injury. Dave Goldingham is a medium pacer who has previously played for NZ over 55s and will be making his 60s debut.
A few lighthearted questions- every team has one. Who is the biggest pest in your side? Why?
That would have to be Andrew Nuttall. His granddad jokes and random quiz questions take a bit of getting used to.
Do you have any game day superstitions?
As an opener I like to face the first ball of the innings.
What’s your favourite holiday destination?
The UK – in particular cricket tours there. I have been on a couple in recent years and they are great fun.
Is Masters cricket is growing in NZ?
Yes, but not to the extent it has in Australia and England. Due to the fact masters cricket started in NZ with over 60s, then was followed by 50s and 40s a few years later, we have yet to see the full benefit of players transitioning through the age groups in large numbers. Our over 50s national tournament has recently expanded from 8 to 12 teams which will draw larger numbers into the pipeline.
What’s the most enjoyable aspect of Masters cricket?
It is competitive but played with a lot of respect between teams which I think is a good balance. Also, the opportunity to play in tournaments nationally, and sometimes internationally, is exciting.