THE Highlands over-60s cricket team has a lengthy break before its next game.
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The locals will meet the Western Wildfires at Lackey Park on Sunday, February 15.
The Highlands head into the break after a draw with the ACT.
Below is a report by Highlands over-60s player Norm Stanton about that match at Lackey:
ACT regularly provides the Highlands over-60s with its toughest opposition.
This proved correct again last Sunday when a draw was declared after rain cut play short early.
This was cricket at a more proper, refined level.
There was an immaculately attired umpire, the wicket was well prepared and the outfield evenly lush.
Lackey Park even boasts change rooms.
On the pitch, there were several players on both sides who still play grade cricket.
As befitting of over-60s matches, there were moments resembling coarse cricket.
Highlands captain David Babbage won the toss and decided to field. Babbage believed a damp wicket would provide some assistance to his bowling attack.
It looked a good call when Rod Watling and John Morris tied the ACT openers Gallagher and Marshall down.
ACT?scored just 13 runs off the first eight overs.
However, both openers survived and took a toll later on.
Gallagher was finally out for 22, while Marshall retired on 33 runs.
ACT side went to drinks with 81 runs on the board from 20 overs.
Both Jimmy Martin and skipper Denis Axelby looked in good touch.
On resumption, Jimmy Martin soon skied one from Ron Montcalm and was out for 29.
Denis Axelby played more sedately in also making 29 before he was caught by Peter Jensen.
Dennis Mankey then took over for the visitors.
Although ACT lost two more wickets, Mankey remained not out to steer his side to 5/161 from 40 allotted overs.
Montcalm (2/22), Norm Stanton (2/12) and Babbage (1/6) were the wicket takers for the Highlands.
After the lunch break, Jensen and Rod van Beek set about dismantling the ACT bowling attack.
Jensen reached his retirement on 34 runs and van Beek also retired for a well-struck 31.
Their partnership led to Highlands having 76 runs on the board at the drinks break.
On resumption, there was a clatter of wickets with Greg Rudd, Stanton and Frank Neville all falling cheaply.
Babbage and Rod Watling steadied the ship with a productive partnership of 21.
However, lightning prompted the players to come from the field.
Highlands were 3/98 from 27 overs, compared to ACT's 3/94 at the same stage.
After some discussion, the game was called off.