Goannas rise to England challenge

The arrival of England’s over 60s cricket team on Australian shores has given a group of Gippsland Goannas players an opportunity to mix it with the old enemy.

On Sunday, 27 November Kevin Lanigan played for the Australian over 60’s side against the tourists in the first masters one day international.

The 50 over game was played at Canberra’s Manuka Oval in Canberra, with Australia making 6/192.

Lanigan made 19 and the Poms passed the score in 35 overs.

On Tuesday, 29 November the English team travelled to Bendigo to take on a Country Victoria side consisting of four Goannas players.

The Goannas’ Ian Gibson was captain and wicket-keeper of the side, with Lanigan, Ray Smith and Gordon Cowling also competing.

England batted first and made 155 from 45 overs with Cowling taking 1/32 from his nine overs, and Lanigan 2/32 from eight.

David Leach from Koo Wee Rup took 2/20 from nine overs to take the bowling honours.

In reply Victoria Country fell 10 runs short in the 44th over with Barry Hopper from Horsham making 61 not out.

Cowling made 32 from 26 balls to give the Englishmen a fright towards the end of the innings.

On Friday, 2 December Ian Southall joined a combined Tasmanian-Victorian team to take on the English at Elsternwick.

Batting first in the 45 over game, the visitors compiled 8/220, with Southall bowling well in his nine overs and taking 2/40.

He did not get to bat as the combine was held to 155 from their 45 overs.

Lanigan was unable to take part in yesterday’s second ODI after withdrawing from the side with an injury.

The Goannas’ next regular game is Sunday, 11 December and at home against Bayside over 60s.

The match is to be hosted by the Yinnar Cricket Club and starts at 11am.