Southern Highlands Over 60s have won the Sydney Masters Over 60s 2020/21 Vintage League

Although the competition was severely disrupted by Covid 19 restrictions as well as frequent inclement weather, Highlands went through undefeated, recording wins against Sri Lankan Lions, Northern Stars, Hunter and Kuringai.

The other five matches against De la Salle Old Boys, Central Coast, Port Jackson, Roseville and Georges River were all recorded as draws.

By mostly winning comfortably, and taking 38 wickets in the four games, more than anyone else, Highlands were able to accumulate additional points to total 250, putting some space between them and runners-up Cricketers Club of NSW (241).

Read: Le tapped out - Saturday's L'Etape cycling race is cancelled

Read Further: Wingello Tigers advance to final

Read More: Home ground advantage among footy tips

Although at times there was difficulty getting a side together, Highlands showed great depth in their performances.

Rod van Beek made an excellent all-round contribution, totalling 78 runs at an average of 78.0 to finish 10th in the League batting aggregates and taking 3 wickets at an average of 6.33.

Handy runs were also scored by Gary Whitaker with 63 from two not out innings, Ian Bradburn 61 at 61.0, and Mark Preddey and Peter Jensen who both tallied 60 from two not out innings.

Newcomer Michael Rowles was a valuable contributor, being Highland's leading wicket-taker and placed 4th in the league, with six wickets at an average of 6.33.

Other good bowling performances were from Rod Watling (4 wickets at 11.5 average), John Lindsay (3 at 6.33) and Mark Preddey (3 at 10.67).

After being runners-up last year Highlands will be buoyed by winning the league and look forward to defending their title in 2021/22.

Southern Highlands were also runners-up last season in the NSW State Over 60s Championships and were optimistic about going one better in the recently completed championships held at Orange.

Unfortunately they received a difficult draw in the truncated schedule of fixtures and ended up in 3rd place, still a commendable result in a competition attracting ten regional teams.

The opening game was against the very strong ACT-Monaro side and they suffered a narrow loss to virtually end their chances of being state champions.

Highlands made 204 for the loss of four wickets from their forty overs, the double hundred aggregate being a first for the side.

Highlands' Australian representatives, Peter Jensen and Ian Bradburn, led the way with retirements at the compulsory 40. Their efforts were matched by David Talbert.

ACT-Monaro passed the score with just two balls to spare with van Beek, Talbert, Grant Lewis and Jensen each taking a wicket.

Highlands round 2 game was against the strong Mid-North Coast team and they proved far too good.

Highlands were 8-246 after forty overs with Bradburn and Jensen again retiring after reaching 40 supported by solid contributions from Talbert, van Beek, David Wells and Glyn Chivers.

Mid-north Coast struggled against good bowling especially by Grant Lewis who took 3 for 23, with Alistair Little, Wells, Jensen and Bradburn each grabbing a wicket.

The coast team could manage just 206 for the loss of eight wickets from their forty overs.

The result put Highlands into a 3rd place play off against Port Jackson Red, which Highlands won with just three balls to spare.

Port Jackson batted first to total 170 for the loss of nine wickets with Rod Watling the pick of the bowlers - 3 for 18.

Gary Whitaker retired for 40 and there were also valuable contributions from Marty Dubler (28), Wells (21), van Beek (20) and Bradburn (19) to see Highlands sneak in and claim third place.

In a competition featuring ten teams from across the state this was a commendable result and further cements Southern Highlands reputation in veterans cricket.

Highlands' 2020/21 season will conclude with a social match against Port Jackson at Glebe on 23rd March, although seven Highlanders are competing for NSW in the annual State of Origin series vs Queensland set down for Tamworth at the end of March. We wish them well!

A most pleasing outcome of the season was that several new faces were introduced into the club, improving the overall depth and auguring well for season 2021/22.

Did you know the Southern Highland News is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up below.