Age is merely a number for 80 senior New Zealand cricketers, many sprinting for runs, taking wickets and smashing boundaries despite being in their 70s.

Six teams of veteran cricketers are playing in Central this week, in the second Veterans Cricket New Zealand (VCNZ) over 70s national tournament.

Former first class cricketer for Otago and Auckland, and Otago over 70s player John Cushen (75), due for a new hip in two weeks time, was on the sidelines supporting his team and enjoying the stunning Central weather.

 “Keeping playing is better than any pill you can take,” he said.

“I can’t wait to get back into it.”

Otago captain Bevin Guthrie’s partner Suzi Darling let slip that he had played 63 seasons of cricket without a break.

“He was in the first XI at South Otago High School when he was in third form [Year 9] and he also played rugby for Otago.”

“These blokes, they’re as competitive as hell.”

Suzi said veteran cricket had been a huge blast to be involved in as she loved the game as well, Bevin had played for three seasons in England, and they had spent four months there recently playing and visiting Scotland.

Tournament organiser Lindsay Hewitson said after the first day no players were injured, with only one umpire getting a whack from a ball on the elbow.

A physio is available for players to utilise, and after the first games, there were only six appointment spots taken before day two began. 

Teams taking part are Otago, Auckland, Canterbury, Central Districts, Northern Districts, Wellington and the format is round robin, four days of play (one 40 over game per day for each team) and with Wednesday a scheduled rest day (tournament dates are Sunday

February 2 - Friday February 7). 

Otago bowler Julian Van dyk was keeping batters guessing early on in Northern Districts innings on Tuesday. PHOTO: The Central App 

Networking and swapping yarns is a critical part of the “connection and fun” of the event, there is a player of the day award and social hour each afternoon and a tournament dinner at the Alexandra District Club on Friday.

“The reunion aspect of meeting friends from over the years, or from overseas cricket is great,” Lindsay said.

“Wives are quite involved, from the Canterbury team of 13 players there are nine wives that are here too.

“There are physical benefits and having something to focus on… as you give up work, having an interest and getting to see other parts of the country.”

Lindsay said three selectors were playing and watching, and would pick players to represent New Zealand in a series of matches against Australia’s over 70s to be held in Christchurch in March.

“There’s also going to be a NZ team playing in the Australian State Territory tournament later in the year and then 16 countries will be playing in the over 70s World Cup in Christchurch in March 2026.” 

The tournament’s purpose was to provide an opportunity for cricketers of all standards despite their advancing years to continue to participate in the sport they all love.

The Central App asked some players from the Northern Districts team why they were still playing cricket in their senior years.

Answers varied, one said he played “for the great fellowship and camaraderie" and another said “it was better than mowing the lawns”.

Northern Districts players waiting for their turn with the bat. PHOTO: The Central App

Each team is permitted younger players (in between 65 and 70 years of age, from division two of the over 60s grade) if the tournament organiser is notified to help them to be able to field a team.

The winners will be determined by a tally of competition points (four points for a win, two for a tie and one each for no result, and zero for a loss).

Tomorrow the third round will see Otago take on Auckland (on number three ground, closer to Dunstan High School), Canterbury play Wellington (number four ground, closest to netball courts) and Northern Districts challenging Central Districts (main oval). 

Matches start at 10.30am and it is free to attend and support the cricketers. 

Canterbury batted first against Auckland on Tuesday on the Molyneux Park main oval in picture perfect weather conditions. PHOTO: The Central App

In the 2024 over 70s tournament, Wellington were the champs, although they were bolstered by two Otago players Lindsay said.

Lindsay (67) plays club cricket in his home town of Timaru, as well as in Otago’s over 60s team. 

He said the welcome in Central had been fantastic and he was hoping to be able to play in the VCNZ over 60s tournament in Alexandra in two years time.  

The tournament and player participation was largely self funded, but he thanked sponsors and the team of volunteers for helping to make the tournament a success.  

Follow tournament results on Play HQ

Check out the VCNZ over 70s tournament here

Read more: Taine Morgan capped in Pasifika U19 cricket team

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