A combined seniors team (late 40s and older) of players from Batemans Bay, Broulee and Bodalla will team-up against ACT over 60s in a 45-over one day match for the Axelby-Miers Cup. 

Turnlinjah’s Tony Henly will pad-up for Eurobodalla and said he and his team mates wanted to take it to their foes.

“Everyone is keen, it’s not an excuse to drink beer, we want to win,” Henly said.

“It’s also about playing guys with international experience.

“People aspire to play against guys at the top of the heap.”

Tuross Head’s Paul Cullen, who plays for the ACT, expected the pitch to play traditionally and said he would tell his team mates to expect it to be “low and slow”, while Henly was hoping his side could count on the home ground knowledge.  

The match also counts as a selection trial for the Australian tour of England set for next year, and Cullen believed a solid outing could firm his chances.

“Hopefully I can go out with a bang; I think I have one more tour in me,” Cullen said.

Cullen, who has played for Australian over 60s, hoped the game could inspire a permanent Eurobodalla team. 

“It’s envisaged the game will become an annual event,” he said.

“The game came about to get seniors’ cricket happening the Eurobodalla.”

Bega, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands have formed teams which will play against each other and the ACT and Cullen said organisers would be open to adding Eurobodalla to a draw.

“If Tony and his friends can field a team that commits itself to irregular social games we would organise a draw for next season,” Cullen said. 

He believed team sport was an appealing way for older men to catch up.

“Seniors cricket offers fitness and playing with your older mates,” he said.

“It’s a great chance for men to bond and play together as a team and I think it’s important to have that social connect in your senior years.

“I’d say there is cricket to everyone’s shape or fitness level. You can chase international selection or have a day out and enjoy it.”

The first ball will be bowled at 10.30am and the Tuross Head Men’s Shed is providing a barbecue.

“Any donations for the men’s shed would be appreciated,” Henly said.