Willowfest XI v’s Sunraysia XI
By Michael DiFabrizio, Sunraysia Daily
GLORY days will be revisited when Towards Zero Willowfest introduces an Over 50’s match this year.
Familiar friends and foes will be brought together in a 30-over contest as part of a bumper program of events on December 29.
Organiser Tony Hickey said the match was about reacquainting players who have lined up against each other in the Sunraysia Cricket Association or at Willowfest. Tony will Captain the Sunraysia XI who will take on the Willowfest XI for bragging rights.
He hoped other over 50’s players taking part in this year’s Willowfest would also sign up.
“I was looking for an over 50’s comp and there was not really one around,” Hickey said.
“I thought, well, there are a lot of guys I used to play with either still playing – either seconds, thirds or fourths – or had just recently given it away.
“It’s holiday season, it’s a chance to have a game and get involved in the atmosphere.”
Towards Zero Willowfest president Anthony Telfer said organisers were looking at hosting a regular over 60’s competition in October from next year, so the plan was to start building momentum towards that aim.
The over 50’s match at the Mildura Senior College oval will be a lead-in to a number of activities on the carnival’s Thursday night.
The Tankard Dental Willowfest Whack longest hit contest and Willowfest Express bowling competition will be held after the over 50’s match, leading into a live site viewing of the Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers match on the Giant TV screen.
Channel Ten will cross to the live site and conduct an interview with Willowfest ambassador Kim Hughes during their telecast.
Telfer was expecting a strong turnout for the festivities.
“Normally we get a crowd of anywhere between 500 and 1000,” he said.
“We’re expecting up to 2000 people here on Willowfest Whack night to watch the big screen.
“Cricket Victoria will have some T20 Blast games, lots of kids and parents will come, we will finish with fireworks, so it’s going to be a massive night.”
As for the over 50’s, Hickey conceded a training session might be needed before the big game.
“We’ll probably have a get together on the Tuesday night, a training run, just to make sure blokes’ muscles are stretched,” he said.
Chris Cleary, a former President of Willowfest will captain the Willowfest XI, has also signed to play, said assistance may be required.
“We’ll probably get bulk physiotherapists and chiropractors here – and plenty of Deep Heat,” Cleary said.
Players interested in taking part in the over 50’s match should contact Hickey on 0418 342 825.
