Tamworth's over 50s have started the season off in winning style, taking out the Veterans' Cricket 50s Carnival in Gloucester on the weekend.
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A pre-cursor to the new 50s competition, the Tamworth side accounted for Mid North Coast North before defeating Mid North Coast South in the final on the back of some excellent aggressive batting.
Batting first on a superb cricket wicket and fast outfield they reached an imposing 5-227.
With the complete top six retiring, it wasn't till 152 that the first wicket fell.
Chris Paterson, playing on the turf he grew up on and recycling (retiring and then coming back out to bat) for an unbeaten 45, Gavin Bickertsaff (22), Andrew Stevenson (30), Steve Allen (30), Dave Marshall (35) and captain Steve Wilson (35) all showed their class and ability to plunder the loose ball.
Despite what looked a mammoth chase, the MNC side gave the visitors a scare but they held their nerve to restrict South to 7-219. Richard Rowlings (1-27), Wilson (1-25), O'Halloran (2-23) and Allen (1-24) all stuck to the task, whist Stevenson bowled a tight 'death' over to seal the win.
The first day saw the Tamworth bowlers flayed early but fight back to knock MNC over for 162 off only 33 overs. Wilson (4-16) and spinner Andrew O'Halloran (1-17) strangled the middle order and took wickets steadily, assisted by their team mates.
Tamworth suffered an early set-back in the run chase but Paterson (37) led the way, supported by Bickerstaff (22).
The coastal side made some inroads here and there but former Country keeper/batsman, Marshall (33 retired) - in his vets' debut, made light of the attack with a fine display, as he and Wilson (36 retired) took the game away with Tamworth reaching 6-163 in only 30 overs.
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Rowlings said it was a good two days of cricket, and a good start to the season.
It is a season that will offer a lot more opportunities with the introduction of the Northern NSW over-50s competition. Named after enigmatic Australian allrounder Doug Walters, the competition will run from October through to March, and feature eight teams - two from the Central Coast, two from Newcastle, two from the North Coast, Tamworth and New England.
They'll play one game a month plus one other at a time that is mutually suitable for both sides.
Tamworth are due to play their first game on October 27 at Wyong.
