Higher honours after over-70s cricket team claims third straight title

FAR North Coast’s over-70s cricket team is set to earn NSW and Queensland representation after winning the state carnival for a third straight year.

It was the team’s first home title, with matches played at Ballina, Lennox Head and Lismore.

Eleven teams competed, with Lismore the major hub for the event due to its ability to host large-scale competitions across multiple grounds.

Far North Coast will now have players compete for NSW and Queensland in the upcoming Cooper Finlay Cup State of Origin series.

Several players were also part of the over-65s team that won when Far North Coast previously hosted the state titles in 2022.

Event organiser Wayne Garrard said the week was a success despite wet weather disrupting part of the schedule, with Far North Coast a clear standout.

“They played well and managed to keep some of the stronger sides to low scores, which set up a number of comfortable wins,” he said.

“Playing three days in a row is always a challenge, especially at this level, but the group handled it well and maintained a high standard right through the tournament.

“Doug Trigg was really consistent with the bat and Peter Gow had a couple of good scores, too.

“One of the standout performances came from Chris Hore behind the stumps. He had three key stoppings in the final and deservedly picked up player of the match.”

Most of the team get together every Wednesday to train and now play in a fortnightly winter competition on the Gold Coast.

They will also prepare for another state tournament later in the year at Port Macquarie.

“We’ve built a strong side over time, and a lot of that comes down to the effort the players put in, with regular Wednesday training and some travelling long distances to be involved,” Garrard said. “We’ve also had success away from home, winning the last two tournaments in Armidale and Orange, so it’s a very consistent group.”