Australian Masters Over 65s descend on Burnside Park
Burnside West Christchurch University Cricket Club | December 31, 2025
In early December, BWCUCC hosted two matches per day over Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and the Div 1 playoff for 3rd and 4th place on Thursday of the National Cricket Australia Masters over 65 tournament.
NZ teams have been invited to many age group tournaments in Australia, and last year at the over-65s tournament in McKay, it was mentioned that they would like to come to Christchurch for the National Over-65s tournament, and the organisers got to work on the preparation.
The club's hosting was to provide two pitches a day, with the grounds team, led by Dave Robertson, Graeme, and apprentice Josh, preparing and marking them. With some rain in the forecast, covers were in place for the first two days. The ground staff have done an exemplary job, and the park looked great
Club President Peter Hay was able to bring the clubrooms together, with the help of Trevor Thornton from the organising committee, Mohit Sunder, our UC intern, Shane Young, and Tumai, who arrived at 4 pm to work the bar at the end of the day's play.
“It’s fantastic to be able to host the Australian national 0ver 65 tournament, with competitive cricket as well a sense of comradery we hope that the players and supporters have had a terrific experience,” Peter Hay said.
The master's cricket age group is expanding in terms of player numbers and tournaments offered, so being able to cater to their needs will be really important.
One of the players spoken to this week from ACT has stopped playing cricket and only returned to the sport at the age of 62.
Queensland Division 1 Champions
VIC 107 were defeated by Qld 5/111 Div 1 at Elmwood Park. Qld mom – K Bridgen & Vic mom – M Goldsmith – Photo Leanne Jackson – Facebook
Victoria White – Division 2 Champions
Victoria White – Photo Leanne Jackson Facebook
In Division 2 Vic white, def NZ 1- chasing, they started off poorly 4/13, 5/32, 6/44 but hung in there to get the win with one ball to spare! Excitement plus – Andrew Barr made 40, Mick Aldred 36no, Mick Limb 47. Wickets were shared amongst the bowlers with Jay Stent 4/30.
A gala dinner for approximately 350 people was held at Addington Raceway (picture below).
