Greg Hoysted (1980-84) recently became the 97th player to represent Australia in over 60s international cricket when he played in the inaugural Over 60s World Cup on the Sunshine Coast.

Eleven nations including all major test playing countries plus a “Rest of the World” team competed for the cup. The surprise packets were Canada who finished 4th.

Australia finished 3rd, losing a heartbreaking match to Pakistan by one wicket in the Semi Final, before beating Canada in the playoff for third place. Pakistan (with a team including nine former first class players) went on to win the tournament, beating New Zealand in the final.

Hoysted was joint man of the match in the third-place playoff game, scoring 81 not out in a record unbeaten 173 run opening partnership with Glenn Richardson (82 not out) as Australia chased down Canada’s score of 172.

The chance to mix with cricketers from all over the world made the tournament a wonderful experience. Veterans cricket is the fastest growing level of the game in Australia and the National interstate championships were played in Geelong in late November with teams from all states, the ACT and New Zealand competing. Hoysted represented Victoria at the championships.

More recently, Hoysted played for the Victorian team which won the Over 60s interstate championships in Geelong at the end of November. Hoysted made 50 not out against Queensland, 50 not out against NSW and 24 run-out in the final vs South Australia.