Call for Expressions of Interest for Adelaide Over 70s

Dear NSW Over 70s (and those who will turn 70 during 2017),

From 4 to 9 November 2017 will see South Australia host the first Over 70s ONLY National Titles in and around Adelaide. The Over 60s are now a separate Championship and will be played in Canberra in 2016 and it is expected that the number of teams to be entered may be restricted due to number of available ovals.

For the Over 70s, it is anticipated that Queensland will send 2 teams, Victoria 5, South Australia 2, Tasmania and Western Australia at least 1 each and New South Wales 2 (at this stage). ACT will have some players to add to teams as they do not have enough for a full squad. There will be at least 2 graded divisions and all teams will be selected on merit. The championship organisers are keen not to have teams mis-matched in ability. ALL MATCHES WILL BE SET DOWN FOR TURF WICKETS and should have a club-house with bar facilities.

Approximately half the grounds to be used will be south of the airport (inland from Glenelg) and the other half in the western suburbs of Adelaide (between the CBD and the Gulf).

Accommodation is already very tight around Glenelg and so selections of hotels in the restaurant/pub/north-west corner of the Adelaide CBD are being suggested for your consideration. The accommodation choices seem to be Comfort Hotel Adelaide Riviera (approx. $700 for a double for 6 nights), Breakfree Adelaide (approx. $840), Adelaide Rockford (approx. $860 … has a pool) or City Oaks Embassy (approx. $890 and recommended by organising committee).

Cost of registration is unknown but a reasonable guess could be $200 plus $85 if you wanted to go to the dinner. Accommodation for 6 nights is between $700 and $900 per couple (and if you are twin-sharing) you might make a guess at, say, $500per person. Breakfast is extra.

Then, you have to get to Adelaide. It is an easy 3 day drive from central NSW (say Newcastle) and is a distance of 1600km. It can be driven in two days, but you, as an Over 70 year-old, will be tired). You can fly for about $400 return on average advance purchase.

Bottom Line on cost. Our guess is that a single player will be up for about $1200 minimum plus your meals and drinks if you room-share. A married couple will be up for a cost of a bit over $2,000 if you fly and a bit less if you drive. THESE ARE BALL-PARK ONLY.

The format will be a meet n’ greet on Saturday 4 November, games Sunday 5th and Monday 6th. Melbourne Cup Tuesday 7th November is ‘free’. Games on Wed 8th and Thursday 9th and dinner Thursday night ($85 per head includes some wine, beer, soft-drink).

We need to know now (or as soon as possible), if you are interested in taking part in these first National Over 70s titles. The costing is rubbery but it gives you some idea. No commitment at this stage but that will follow along with selections, etc.

Please respond to Norm Stanton with a YES, NO or MAYBE as soon as possible.

e-mail:

Thank you for consideration.