Marist veterans to turn back the clock

Former Marist champions will pull on the whites for the first time in 12 months tomorrow when their annual veterans game is held at Forrest Park.

The Creasey-Dehring Shield will be on the line when Marist Blue and Marist White do battle in the annual game, which is celebrating its 10th year.

Marist White, who are a team made up of former players who came through the Catholic school system, will be looking to break Marist Blue’s two-game winning streak when the 33-over game begins at 1pm.

Marist Blue captain Chris Purcell said the annual game was a great way for the players to come together for a reunion.

“It is really good see the old guys back,” he said.

“At the end of the night we have a social event with the younger players, so you get past and present players all together.

“It is not about who wins and who loses, it is about the event.”

Purcell said the day could not go ahead if it was not for Helen and Frank Nicholas and Ray and Anne Buck.

The veterans game is not all fun and games though, with some players even resurrecting their careers.

Current Marist A-Grade all-rounder Strathan Papandroulakis played in the game a few years ago and decided to return to cricket, as did Hay Park coach Chris Waddingham.