Veteran hosts miss out on finals

Gracemere’s Terror Bull’s batsman watches the flight of his ball in the Veterans cricket carnival final.

Scottie Simmonds

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BUNDABERG'S cricket veterans were not present in the winner's circle when their annual May Day carnival came to a close on Sunday.

The Bundaberg over-40s failed to reach the final of the annual representative carnival but organiser and Bundaberg veterans stalwart Ian Laycock said players were easily consoled.

“You like to win if you can but at the end of the day it's as much about getting together for a yarn and a laugh as anything,” Laycock said.

It was the Mackay Nobros that claimed honours in the 10th anniversary year of the popular Bundaberg competition. The Nobros triumphed over Gracemere Terribles, 2-116 to 4-113.

The two-day carnival, held on Saturday and Sunday, was the first event to be held at Kendall's Flat since flood waters washed over the field in January.

Laycock said competitors had played in spite of their age in a good display of veterans cricket.

“The pace bowlers might not have been bowling as fast as they used to but everyone put in, and had a crack,” he said.

“It made for some pretty interesting cricket and an enjoyable couple of days.”

Laycock said the carnival had risen to prominence in veterans' cricket circles and had become a favourite with ageing aficionados of the gentleman's game.

A total of 13 teams competed, with teams travelling from as far afield as Craigiburn, Victoria, and Tweed Heads, New South Wales.

Two local teams competed, Bundaberg Red and Bundaberg Black, but both were unsuccessful in reaching the finals.

Laycock said the carnival served as a meeting place for old cricket buddies, many of whom had moved away from the area.

“It's the sort of thing where you see a few old faces you haven't seen in a while,” he said.

“It's not just about the cricket, there's a social aspect to it as well.”

Laycock said preparations were already underway for the 2011 carnival. “People can expect more of the same next year,” Laycock said.

“Some great matches of cricket and a good laugh.”