After a very successful 60s event last weekend, this latest tournament will see the youngsters in the 50s division descend on the town for more early-season cricket.

A home side, led by Darren Yates, will take on Mid North Coast South on Number 2 Oval at 10.30am on Saturday, while Mid North Coast North will face the experienced Tamworth side on Number 1 Oval.

Winners and losers from these matches will playoff on Sunday from 9.30am.

Head organiser, James Laurie, was thrilled with the support of the local Rotary Club last weekend and they are sure to repeat their excellent catering again for the young guys ripping in.

In addition, Gloucester Bowling Club will host after-match presentations as they did last week.

Local legend curator, Ken 'Swampy' Garland will no doubt produce a couple of excellent wickets and the players from all sides are looking forward to an early hit-out before a packed season.

With a number of players in the visiting sides having already represented their areas previously at the State Championships, and some having qualified for the State sides at Nationals, there will be some excellent play to be seen.

The Mid North Coast South squad has a number of Forster Tuncurry locals and players from nearby areas.

They include: Mick Simpson, John Kessey, Mick Koukoulis, Paul Caple, Graham Morley, Mark Barratt, Tim Bramble, Rick Clark, Peter Griffith, Wayne Turner and Alan May.

They will also be supported by local umpires Grant Galbraith and Bryan Lambert.

The Mid North Coast North squad is made up of players from around Port Macquarie and Wauchope and have a number who have continued to play grade, so they're well in tune for comp formats.

They will compete strongly with a number having represented the Mid North Coast last year.

Gloucester 50s players will also join those from Mid North Coast South in nominating for places in the new Doug Walters Cup, which will be played across the season between 50s teams from the Central Coast, Newcastle, Mid North Coast and New England.

Mid North Coast have entered a north and south side to maximise opportunities for the burgeoning numbers.

No doubt all will be eager to have fun locally and some will put their hand up to play in this excellent new venture for veterans.

In addition, it's hoped the locals will nominate to represent the Mid North Coast at the State Championships in Orange in February where the Coasties are looking to once again enter two very competitive sides.

The veterans cricket scene is certainly opening up doors for many players finding their way back into the game.

Often referred to as 'the men's shed in the field', it is a great way to renew old acquaintances and make new friends, as well as allowing the 'better halves' to travel a bit and mix in as well.

The real beauty of the vets' scene is that anyone can play.

The inter-town or regional matches, such as those being played this weekend, are the bread and butter, where all players of all abilities get to have some fun.

If fitness and other factors lead to selection in other events, it's seen as a huge bonus and the cream to go with a slice of life's pie that many thought would never be served up in their dotage.

But having that bite of the pie with your local mates is what most do it for.

The camaraderie and fun of it all sees the pain and injuries forgotten over the banter, laughs and a few beers - as those involved find their Peter Pan in a set of whites they never thought they'd be wearing again.

If you are turning 50 next year or older, have a look about and talk to others.

You may find it's just what the doctor ordered.

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