Greg Tideman hasn't looked back since deciding to pick up the bat again about eight years ago.
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After almost four decades out of the game, the Quirindi native was coaxed back into pulling on the whites again for Wallabadah and the local veterans side.
In the ensuing years he has enjoyed the distinction of representing NSW Country, and NSW, seen parts of the country he might not have otherwise, and even realised the dream of donning a baggy green.
On Saturday he will line up for the Northern NSW side when they take on the touring England over-60s team at Tamworth's No.1 Oval.
Tideman will join Tamworth's Chriss Crowell, Bede Maher, Ben van Aanholt and Greg Kellett, New England's Richard Cannon and David Jurd, Coffs Harbour's Graham Doust, Terry Herbert and Eric Higgins and former Tamworth native Barry Everingham in padding up against the old enemy.
The first international team to play a game in Tamworth since 1996, Tideman said it will be "a great opportunity".
"I got to play against them for NSW Country five years ago, and they're great players and they really bring out the best in you," he said.
"It's a big thrill."
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Originally from Brisbane, where he played grade cricket, Tideman moved down to Quirindi after, as he put it, meeting the love of his life.
Persuaded to strap on the pads again by local stalwart Graham England, Tideman said playing vets has rekindled his love of the game.
"It's played the way cricket is meant to be played," he said.
"We're all friends."
"If there's any decision that's 50-50 there's no big deal about it."
"We've had instances where players have been run out due to an injury they have suffered and we've called them back."
Tideman is likely to open the batting with Crowell, who will captain the side, and is happy with how his season is going.
"I've had a pretty good season so far. I've been scoring plenty of runs and getting a few not outs," he said.
Saturday's game will get underway at 3pm.
Earlier in the day there will be an official breakfast, civic reception and shirt presentation.
