Australian veteran cricketers set to play at Newclose on Isle of Wight tour stop

They are coming from A Land Down Under for a few weeks of cricket in England…and Newclose on the Isle of Wight is on their list.

The Kangaroos and Koalas squads of 33 Aussies and three New Zealanders arrive in the UK next week for a 12-game Castles Tour taking in Balmoral, Windsor Castle, Bamburgh and a number of Britain’s most beautiful cricket grounds during their three-week visit.

The veteran cricketers, all over 60, will arrive on the Island on June 18 for two 20-20 games at picturesque Newclose, taking on IW Over 50s XIs.

Derek Braidner, tour manager, said,

“Coming to the Isle of Wight is not just about the cricket…how could we not include it on this unique cricket tour.
“This region of England has played a huge part in our own history and we are very excited about playing at this premier ground and I had no hesitation about including it in our list of magnificent grounds we have been invite to play at.”

Many of the tour party have played a lot of high-class cricket at home.

Travelling the world
Derek said,

“We have cricketers from all over Australia, with three Kiwis in the party as well.

“I have been organising tours like this for 15 years, taking Australian vets teams all around the world, from Hawaii to Japan and Jamaica, as well as the UK.”

Physical, mental and social benefits of cricket
Nick Heelan, the ECB’s Isle of Wight cricket development manager, said,

“We are greatly looking forward to welcoming this Australian touring side and hope to use this to galvanise even further local interest in seniors cricket and the many physical, mental and social benefits it can offer.

Griffiths: Brian Gardner would have been delighted
Huw Griffiths, chair of trustees at Newclose, said,