A cricket team from Sydney is about to hit the UK shores.  This might not sound unusual but this time they are all in their 50's and 60's.

The Sydney Classics Cricket Team consists of 18 players and they will be playing 16 games (40 overs a side) over 4 weeks in various venues.  In particular they will be visiting N Ireland from the 28th July to 1st Aug and playing 2 games whilst staying in Belfast.  These are against

• Ulster Grasshoppers on 29th July at Waringstown CC starting 12pm
• Northern Union Aged Team on 31st July at Woodvale CC starting 12pm

Their Manager, Douglas Latto, explains, "In Sydney we have Over 40's (Masters) and Over 50's (Classics) leagues.  In the Classics there are 16 teams and we play 40 over games every second week over a 6 month period.  Our team is mostly sourced from players in that league and consists of those with the time and means to travel."

This is the 4th tour that he has organised for the Classics. The first was to the Cotswolds in UK, followed by S Africa, and Canada and USA.  This time they have even more wives joining, swelling the numbers to 30.

Douglas was born in Northern Ireland but left in 1973.  He says, "I learnt my cricket there but haven't played there since.  Therefore this is a special trip for me and Northern Ireland will be my highlight."

The Sydney Classics will be playing in London, S Wales, Devon and Cornwall.  After leaving Belfast they will play their final 3 games in Dublin.

So what happens as the team ages?  Douglas Latto explains, "Last year we created a Veterans League for Over 60's with 4 teams.  We expect 7 next season.

There are 2 or 3 Regional Teams playing over 70's (called Vintage).  Not sure what happens when we reach 80, we need to work on a name!"