Thursday, February 18, 2016

Launceston February 2016

We arrived in Launceston on Monday evening, 15 February. A number of other over 60s and over 70s cricketers were also on the same plane so they could take part in the annual Victoria over 60s versus Tasmania over 60s cricket match to be played at the Northern Tasmanian Cricket Association complex on the Tuesday. An over 70s game was also to be played.
The Victorian players stayed at the Commodore Regent in Brisbane Street, a short walk from the cricket ground and not far from the centre of Launceston and the river. The hotel is across the road from City Park.
After breakfast the cricketers walked the short distance to the cricket ground to prepare for the game. I followed a short time later to find out the plans for the day and as Victoria was batting first I decided to go for a walk around Launceston.
John Hart Conservatory
It was pleasant walking through the gardens. There are monuments, bandstand and statues in the park including an ornate fountain built in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
It was two years since our last visit to Launceston, also for a cricket match, so it was a good opportunity to explore the area once more. Initially I followed the banks of the North Esk River towards Royal Park and the River Tamar.
North Esk River looking towards the hills
View across the Tamar River from the park
Another view towards former grain silos
View towards Cascade Gorge
Last time we explored the city it was Launceston Cup Day and most of the shops were closed and the streets almost deserted. Visiting the Mall near lunch time the streets were also very quiet.
The Mall in Launceston 11.45
I then returned to the cricket ground to watch the afternoon session of the cricket.
Part of the streetscape near the cricket ground
Before returning home on the Wednesday Robin and I had another stroll through Launceston.
The Town Hall had decorated its pillars in football colours for the Hawthorn v Carlton NAB Challenge match to be held at Aurora Stadium on Thursday.
On our walk we encountered a number of senior Victorian cricketers also going for a walk before heading home including these three who posed for a photo.

After an enjoyable two day break in Launceston it was time to return home. Next excursion will be Adelaide next month to play cricket against South Australia.

Posts relating to 2014 visit
Launceston   area near Boag's Brewery
Exploring Launceston - Cascade Gorge and Tamar and North Esk rivers
Westbury Road
Cricket match 2014

Launceston - Victoria v Tasmania 2016

Tuesday 16 February 2016 and we were back at the Northern Tasmania Cricket Association grounds at Launceston where Victoria Over 60s were to play their annual match against Tasmania Over 60s.
This year we played on the second ground. The weather was fine and sometimes sunny with a maximum temperature of 19 degrees forecast. However there was a cool breeze from time to time. After both teams had warmed up and the team photos taken it was time to start play.
Victoria batted first and things did not go to plan when five early wickets were lost. Fortunately a fine partnership between Kevin Lanigan (52 runs) and Greg Johnson (25 runs) along with 35 runs from Jim Geltch ably supported by the tail greatly improved the score. Although the Victorian team was all out by the 48th over they had made 171 runs. After lunch it was Tasmania's turn to bat.
The accurate Victorian bowling restricted the Tasmanian batsmen to a score of 7 for 110 at the end of their 50 overs.
Trevor Selby and Rex Bennett each had three wickets but the other bowlers also bowled very tightly restricting the Tasmanian run rate.
Tim and Robin discussing tactics
Robin bowled 8 overs 0 for 12 and took a great catch early in the innings. The fielding of the Victorian team was excellent. It was a great team effort.
The Victoria Over 70s played their game on the main oval. Victoria batted first and made 195 runs at the end of their overs. In reply the Tasmanian team was all out for 135. Another great win for Victoria.
View from the dining room window
The combined teams dinner this year was held at the Launceston Golf Club. The food was great, especially the sticky date pudding for desert.

This was the fifth annual match played between Victoria and Tasmania over 60s and the second over 70s match. Each time victory has gone to Victoria. The players look forward to this annual event which next year year will be held in Melbourne.