Karaka Stallions
Golden Oldies Cricket
" Fun. Friendship. Fraternity."

HISTORY
“The Stallions” initially started from a group of ageing Karaka President’s Grade players who still had a passion for playing the game of cricket, and shared an overwhelming desire to enjoy the company of their fellow players and opposition in a way not seen in competitive cricket.

The idea of travelling to the 11th Golden Oldies Cricket Festival in Mooloolaba on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast to play 3 games of cricket in a week was a big attraction. So a meeting was called on 4th February 2003 to gauge the level of interest and as they say “the rest is history”.

From that first meeting in 2003 we now have 14 regular home and away fixtures with teams from Northland, Auckland, Counties, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and the King Country. In February 2006 we hosted the Sydney Masters Cricket side, and in 2007 we sent a touring party to Australia to play return matches against the Sydney Masters and our first ever international opposition - The Gentlemen of Nowra Eleven (GONE).

2006 also saw three players along with their partners, attend the 12th Golden Oldies Cricket Festival in Sri Lanka. Joining up with The Gentlemen of Nowra Eleven this festival went ahead and was a huge success, despite the remaining carnage from the Boxing Day Tsunami.

2007/08 was a busy season. Apart from our usual fixtures, we also provided 2 teams and played 2 international sides at the Karaka Reserve on the same day. We had a fantastic day hosting a touring team from Tunbridge Wells in Kent, England and our good friends “from across the ditch’, The Gentlemen of Nowra Eleven. With 2 teams of Kiwis, 1 team of Poms, and 1 team of Aussies, this was a very special occasion. The Stallions and their partners (The Fillies) then travelled to Queenstown for the 3 more games at the 13th Golden Oldies Cricket Festival. The sights and delights of Central Otago with good company made this a memorable trip.

WHO CAN JOIN?
All you need is a love for the game and the spirit of cricket. Players of all abilities and fitness levels over the age of 40 are welcome.

There is no need to commit to playing every game, just join in when time permits. Some of our members only play once or twice a year while some are regulars. We believe in the Golden Oldies motto of Fun, Friendship, and Fraternity. We have a number of supporters who just come along for a great day out in the sun, and good company.

PLAYING SCHEDULE
2009/10 is stacking up well with another 14 games already organised. There are 5 games to be played at home and 9 away games ranging from Dargaville to Taupo.

Anyone wanting to play in a specific game should make contact with Murray or Roger by email to ensure their place in the team for that day.

CONTACTS
For more information on the Karaka Stallions (Golden Oldies Cricket). please contact:
Murray Napier napier-family@xtra.co.nz
Roger Wark roger.wark@xtra.co.nz

COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Apart from our interest in playing and promoting the enjoyment of cricket, “The Stallions” are also very keen to assist our youth achieve great things. Anyone associated with a young boy or girl from our region, who is striving to achieve excellence in any endeavour – sporting, cultural, or otherwise, may apply for a financial grant to assist them in realising their dreams.

Apart from our interest in playing and promoting the enjoyment of cricket, “The Stallions” are also very keen to assist our youth achieve great things. Anyone associated with a young boy or girl from our region, who is striving to achieve excellence in any endeavour – sporting, cultural, or otherwise, may apply for a financial grant to assist them in realising their dreams.

Download the Karaka Stallions Financial Grant Application Form.   

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Since our establishment, we have made financial donations to assist the following people in achieving their goals:
2004 Kieron Reid NZ Under 19 Rugby Under 19 Rugby World Cup South Africa
2005 Malcolm Lewis NZ Under 23 Rowing Eight Under 23 World Rowing Champs Poland
2006 Karaka Colts Karaka Under 16 Cricket Development Tour to Strath Creek VIC, Australia
2007 Laura Madden NZ Pony Club Inter-Pacific Competition Kentucky, USA
2008 Russell Wark Outward Bound New Zealand
2009 Mason Thorburn Sacred Heart College Australian Int’l Music Festival Sydney, Aust, Concert Band
2009 Michael Williams NZ BMX Team World Champs (Elite Mens) Adelaide, Aust
2009 Kate MacLeod NZ Under 21 Rowing Pair Youth Cup Series Regatta Sydney, Aust

Funds have been raised from raffles, working bees, and formal dinners. Three formal dinners have been held with guest speakers including former NZ cricketers Jeremy Coney and John Wright, along with well known cricket commentator Brian Waddle, and musician / comedian Mark de Lacy aka “The Minstrel”. The evenings have been a huge success with sports memorabilia auctioned along with signed books, fishing trips, travel, golf equipment, etc.

Recipients are actively encouraged to speak about their experiences and achievements at the fund raising dinners.

Season 2009-10 Draw

Anyone wanting to play in a specific game should make contact with Murray or Roger by email to ensure their place in the team for that day.
Murray Napier napier-family@xtra.co.nz
Roger Wark roger.wark@xtra.co.nz

Results
No results to report.