This story by Ian B Gibson, one of our three national representatives.
The recent tour to the UK was greatly enjoyed by the group of 18 Over 70 cricketers selected to represent Australia. 
What an honour, what a privilege, what an opportunity to play at “the home” of cricket and to enjoy the camaraderie of the touring group and their partners as well as the English opponents.
The ACS has three of its members within this talented group – the two Gibbo’s (Ian A Gibson from Gippsland and our own playing member, Ian B Gibson) and the remarkable resident of Brim (near Horsham), Wavell McPherson.
Throughout August, 13 games were played — 8 games against the various Counties resulted in easy wins.
The game against the UK Chairman’s XI was lost by 1 run, the International ODI against Wales was won easily and the results in the ODIs against England were 2-1 in their favour. In the first ODI we batted first and made 205 and won narrowly. The second ODI, we lost by 21 after we dropped numerous catches. In the final ODI, England set the challenging total of 251. It came down to the last over and in fact the last ball. We needed just 6 to win, but during the over captain, Ian Petherick on 140 was caught on the third ball. The last ball was hit to deep long on almost for 6 but alas was caught, so England won the game by 4 runs and the series – the Silver Ashes.
The grounds were a treat to play on and the hospitality which included dinner after each game was delightful. On one occasion the dinner was in a building that had once been a barn 300 years ago. The sight-seeing opportunities which included tours of Lord’s and the almost as historic Trent Bridge were also enjoyed.
Editor’s note:Our ASC members all enjoyed some individual success during the tour. Ian A Gibson made more than 200 runs and was dismissed only three times. He retired on 51 against Essex and on 43 against Kent. He played in each of the ODIs v England as the wicket keeper and took a diving catch, but to no avail as the umpire ruled “no ball”. Ian B Gibson retired on 50 against Norfolk/Suffolk and on 40 against Worcestershire. Wavell’s opportunities with the bat were rather limited but he finished with an average of 29. Behind the stumps he took two catches and effected five stumpings. Ian B Gibson and Wavell both played in the ODI against Wales.