Reunion celebrates marathon tour of 1964

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Lengthy rugby and cricket tours are a thing of the past, but one of the more remarkable undertakings is being commemorated in Bay of Plenty this weekend.

Ten survivors from a tour in 1964, which lasted three months and took in 37 matches around the globe, are gathering in Omokoroa to relive the venture on its 50th anniversary.

Organised by the late New Zealand Cricket official Ken Sandford, the trip began with a game against Nadi on May 30, took in California, Canada, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Bermuda, England, Scotland, Germany, Kuwait, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Singapore before arriving back in Auckland on August 31.

It was originally set up as a private venture, but was eventually given official status by the then New Zealand Cricket Council.

The 15 included one test player, the late Bob Cunis, and one future international, wicketkeeper the late Ken Wadsworth.

Best known of those attending the reunion is the long-time Central Districts batsman Dermot Payton.

The cost of travel and accommodation was 570.10 per person.

Among the advisories given to the team by New Zealand Council were that the ground in Vancouver was surrounded by the sea on three sides and said to be among the most picturesque in the world.

Canada did not play the then new no-ball rule or the restriction on leg side fielders.

Accommodation included the royal military academy in Sandhurst in England while in Dusseldorf the players would be housed "in the officers' mess".

Reminiscing is sure to be thick on the ground this weekend.