Kangaroos and koalas come to the Isle of Wight

An influx of kangaroos, koalas… and kiwis will flock to the Isle of Wight this summer.

But this group of furry animals will be senior cricketers flying in from Down Under to compete against the island’s best experienced players.

The Kangaroos and Koalas squads of 33 Aussies and three New Zealanders arrive in Britain next week for a 12-game Castles Tour taking in Balmoral, Windsor Castle, Bamburgh and some of Britain’s finest cricket grounds during their three-week visit.

The experienced cricketers, all aged over 60, will arrive on the island on June 18 for two 20-20 matches in picturesque Newclose, where they will take on IW Over 50s XIs.

Derek Braidner, tour manager, said:

“When you come to the Isle of Wight it’s not all about the cricket. How can we not include this in this unique cricket tour?

“This region of England has played a huge part in our own history and we are very excited about playing at this first-class ground and I had no hesitation in including it in our list of wonderful grounds we have been invited to play.”

Many of the touring parties have played a lot of first-class cricket at home.

Derek explained:

“We have cricketers from all over Australia, with three Kiwis in the party as well.

“I have been organizing trips like this for 15 years, taking Australian veterinary teams around the world, from Hawaii to Japan and Jamaica, as well as to the UK.”

Huw Griffiths, chairman of trustees at Newclose, added:

“The late Brian Gardner, who built this great facility, would have been thrilled to see it used for an occasion like this.”

Entry on the day is free and players will meet the Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff from 9.30am.

The itinerary is then:

1100-1330: 1st T20 match against IW over-50s led by Simon Goldsmith.
Break 1330-1400
1400-1730: 2nd T20 match against IW over 50
1800-2000: Dinner and socialization