IN THE absence of a Hampshire professional fixture this season, Newclose Cricket Club instead hosted a special day of cricket, which featured two matches between a touring group of 60 veteran players from Down Under against over-50s players from Isle of Wight teams.

Australian cricketers, with a few New Zealanders, and their families, were welcomed to the Island's county ground in Newport for two T20 matches yesterday (Wednesday).

The Isle of Wight Cricket Board’s (IWCB) teams for each match comprised players from Island clubs, brought together by Nick Heelan, the board's cricket development manager.

The first match saw the Islanders beat the tourists by ten wickets.

Isle of Wight and touring players from Australia and New Zealand at Newclose Cricket Ground in Newport.Isle of Wight and touring players from Australia and New Zealand at Newclose Cricket Ground in Newport. (Image: Pamela Parker)

After restricting the tourists to 108-6, the Island side passed their target in 16.1 overs.

The second of the two games, after lunch, was a lot closer, but the Islanders won again — this time by four wickets.

Gary Freeston top scored for the home side with 35 not out.

The event — almost a year in the making — was organised by Nick Heelan, Hugh Griffiths, a Newclose trustee and the IWCB's communication and planning officer, and the touring group’s Melbourne-based manager, Derek Braidner.

Billed as the Cricket Castles Tour, the predominantly Aussie side — known as the Kangaroos and Koalas — had earlier played fixtures at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, and which will finish next week at Windsor Castle, with a fixture hosted by The Royal Household Cricket Club.

In all, the tourists are playing 12 games over a three-week period, at some of the UK's most picturesque and historic grounds.

Kangaroos and Koalas captain Tom O'Brien and Isle of Wight Cricket Board captain Simon Goldsmith.Kangaroos and Koalas captain Tom O'Brien and Isle of Wight Cricket Board captain Simon Goldsmith. (Image: Pamela Parker)

Before the start of play on Wednesday, the Island’s Lord Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon, accompanied by Island High Sheriff, Graham Biss, formally welcomed the touring squads.

With Carisbrooke Castle nearby, the venue was consistent with the them.

Earlier in the day, the families and non-players had enjoyed a coach trip to see Carisbrooke Castle, Godshill and Ryde seafront.

After the match, the tourists presented a commemorative plaque to Newclose, plus awards to Newport Cricket Club volunteers.

There was also a special award presented to Newclose groundsman, Andy Butler, whose pitch and pitch preparation was rated by the visitors as being the best they had come across in all the UK venues they visited.