INTERNATIONAL matches are done, now it’s time to move into franchise cricket mode.
The finale of the Spirit of Cricket Festivale begins Friday as the inaugural Over 50s Australasian Conference runs through until Monday.
The top 120 veteran players from Australia and New Zealand will collide in the eight-team franchise competition, similar to the Indian Premier League, where teams will play seven Twenty20 matches over four days.
A grand final will be played on Monday afternoon from 2pm at Mildura Senior College to determine the first ever winner of the tournament.
The brainchild of former local Anthony Telfer, who runs the Spirit of Cricket organisation, it marks new territory for veteran cricketers in the country.
Matches will be live streamed across the globe and Telfer said there is a lot of buzz and excitement ahead of the opening day.
“Everyone is very excited and can’t wait to get into it,” he said.
“Each of the franchises have got up to 1000 social media followers in just a couple of months after being established so there is a real buzz and excitement.
“A number of the players from the tri-state tournament are staying and those who have left have already registered their interest in next year.
“We’ll be live streaming these games across the world and we’re expecting around 20,000 views for it.”
The eight franchises taking part are Saxon Kings, Spot On Strikers, Team Thunder, EV2 Cricket, Sandgroper T20 Cricket, The Australian Pavillion, RJR All Stars, and Lightning Storm.
Similar to the the IPL each franchise has an owner or ownership group and all players were subject to a draft pool earlier in the year.
Mildura will have representation through Brad Purdue, who played for the the Australia A Over 50 team over the past week, Ange Meyers, Tony Hickey and Mark White.
Purdue will suit up for Lightning Storm, Meyers for Spot On Strikers, and Hickey and White are both members of The Australian Pavillion.
Leading the EV2 team is Australian veterans representative Andrew Kratzman, former Mildura East cricketer and tennis professional at Mildura Lawn Tennis Club.
The event was officially launched on Thursday night, which also included a street parade led by a brass band, an appearance by event ambassador Rodney Hogg and the launch of an event anthem by country music singer Paul Costa.
Wednesday’s rain has not dampened the enthusiasm for the event.
“One of the main reasons we decided on Mildura was for the weather… it’s pretty likely you’ll only lose a day if rain hits,” Telfer said.
“Wednesday’s rain is probably the perfect timing, it can help refresh the grounds and be gone by the time Friday comes around.
“We’ll have the best 120 cricketers from Australia and New Zealand competing, so it’s going to be a high standard.
“Obviously the bowling isn’t going to be as fast, but the cricket smarts and talent of these players will be on display.”
At the main hub of Mildura Senior College, a $25,000 prize will be on offer for hitting a sign, similar to the old Mercantile Mutual Cup days.
Play begins at 10am on Friday.
