Rowan Chandler slashes at this wide delivery against Hunter Valley yesterday as Gunnedah wicketkeeper Dave Chapman prepares to take the delivery at Belmore Park. Photo: Robert Chappel 091012RCD04
DAVE Chapman was something of a ring-in for the Hunter Valley side at this week’s NSW Veterans Cricket Championships in Tamworth.
The Gunnedah teacher played Monday and yesterday for the HV side but has to return to work today.
“I played these blokes two weeks ago in Gunnedah,” he said of his HV invitation.
“Mike Silver asked us then if anyone was interested. And these blokes were after a wicketkeeper.
“I could play the first two days and have to work tomorrow.
“They do have a couple of players driving up tonight to fill in.”
One of those is former Test legspinner Bob Holland, while former Coonabarabran High School principal Mick McEntyre, well- known for coaching the high school’s league side and then scouting for the Newcastle Knights, is also joining in this morning.
Another teacher on the veteran path is Uralla’s Rowan “Chalkie” Chandler.
He is turning out with the Northern side this week after playing in last year’s carnival in Tamworth.
He is also using this tournament as a warm-up for next month’s national vets championships in Adelaide.
It’s something of a reunion for him with a number of old mates turning out.
Yesterday he was trying to lead a vanguard for his Northern side which had slumped early on, losing four early wickets to Tony Patterson (2-11) and John Fryer (1-9), both of whom had toured England with the Australian Over 60 side earlier this year.