Postcard from Downunder - World Cup Update

Over 50s World Cup Update

Hi All

Yesterday saw England in action again at Allan Border Oval , Mosman , Sydney . Having been defeated by Australia at Manly on Sunday England were looking to get back to winning ways against current table woodenspoonists Canada. It almost didn't happen. On winning the toss skipper for the day Steve Foster elected to bowl. Despite a brisk start by Canada's openers wickets fell regularly. They were dismissed for a seemingly paltry 91. However, the wicket appeared to be slow and apparently cracking and England too lost wickets at an alarming rate. They eventually scrambled home on 92 for 7 , winning by 3 wickets.  Sussex's Scott Stratton had a good,  knock with 24 and Steve Foster helped to steer the side home with 11 not out at the close. Nick Newman of Leicestershire was miserly with his left arm spin only going for 13 in his 9 overs. Nick would have had more than the one wicket but for a couple of dropped catches. Steve Foster was again on form with 3 for 17 . Plaudits for Canada who played with great spirit and no little skill . The star performer for Canada was Mahmood Ahmad who played a lot of top class club cricket in Pakistan. He scored 34 not out and  bowling figures of 3 for 18 in 9 overs. 

England's next game is v. Wales at Persham Oval, Sydney to-morrow [Wednesday] but sadly heavy rain is forecast.

Following that fixture England travel out of town to Bowral where there is the lovely ground and Bradman Museum and house where he lived overlooking the famed Oval. England face New Zealand there. On Sunday unbeaten Pakistan are England's opponents at Coogee Oval in Sydney . The next phase of the competition are then the semi-finals and final.

cheers

Andy 

Hello again from NSW . Am thoroughly enjoying the Over 50s Cricket World Cup here in Sydney. It is being played on numerous Grade and Shires grounds. England compete together with Australia, Wales, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka , South Africa and Canada. Away from the crass commercialisation of professional cricket it's bliss to watch these excellent matches [45 overs per side] played in a competitive but 'spirit of cricket' ethos. No musical interruptions, banal PA chatter etc., just really absorbing cricket...ok no pace bowling but other than that it's excellent. England have won 3 [v. SL,SA and Canada ] and lost v. Australia in the initial games where every side plays each other once. The top 4 compete in semi finals and obviously then a Grand Final. The whole competition has been organised by cricket loving volunteers. It would be great if in the future Nottinghamshire provided an Over 50s player. 2018's English Counties' Final was won by Yorkshire v. Lancashire. I was speaking with ex Leicestershire and Warwickshire player Nick Newman at Allan Border Oval , Mosman on Mon.26th who said how much seniors' cricket has boomed in recent years. It would be great if it received even half of the publicity other forms receive e.g. the ridiculous 'Hundred' 
All the best esp. to friends on the Randall Upper 
cheers Andy M