Three cricketers who have played more games than they care to remember have enjoyed representing Vic Country at the annual Echuca over-60s carnival last week.
For those old enough to remember, Shane Noonan played for Charlton, particularly during the 1980s, after debuting for Wychitella.
He captained Charlton to the 1983-’84 premiership in the Donald District Association. Shane married Trish Stephenson from Wedderburn, and has lived in Adelaide and Darwin, prior to settling in Mildura in late 1997, where he continues to reside. Shane has three grown-up children. He’s certainly lost none of his wicket-keeping skills and has represented Victoria in over-60s a number of times.
Barry Hopper is widely known in this and other areas, his run scoring exploits for Horsham Homers are legendary. Barry played against touring international sides in his younger days, and has represented Australia in Veterans’ cricket. He is an avid cricket tourer and is heading off in June for another trip to Thailand, which he has done around twelve times.
Donald’s David Letts commented that it was terrific to finally play some cricket with Shane after playing against him all those years ago, and to run out alongside such a legend as Barry.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 26 March 2024.
