John Costello has been recognised for his long time dedication to cricket at a recent Cricket Victoria event held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
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Costello currently plays for Navarre, but over a career that started in the early fifties he has played all over the world.
Costello described cricket as something that is very close to his heart.
“It is pretty amazing to do something you love over such a long period of time,” Costello said.
“It is a great sport and it is great fun. It means a lot to me.”
Costello accepted the award in front of his wife Patricia and some of Cricket Victoria’s legends and officials.
It was a full day of celebrations with a three course meal served as the Sheffield Shield cricket played in the back ground.
Costello’s career began at the Yanac Cricket Club when he was just nine years of age.
He has had many proud moments since then, none more so that when he received his test number in 2010 for the Australian over 60’s squad.
“My test number is 30 and that is something that i will always remember,” Costello said.
“We played England in Melbourne and we lost every game. They were pretty good and the experience was amazing.”
Even now cricket monopolises Costello’s life with the pair set for a trip to Mount Gambier on Tuesday.
Costello is travelling with the Vic Country over 60’s team to play South Australian in Mount Gambier.
While this tour is only to South Australia Costello has played cricket in the likes of Mexico, Philadelphia, New York and Jamaica.
The tournaments do not stop there with Echuca, Adelaide and Perth all in the pipeline for the up coming season.
“Not everyone you know goes all over the world doing what they love,” Costello said.
“I have been very lucky to be able to do it over a long period of time too. Hopefully I can keep going for a little bit longer yet.”
Costello is a specialist bowler now days, but can handle a bat with ease.
“I can do a little bit of both,” Costello said.
“I just do whatever the team needs on the day.”
Costello is a regular contributor to the Navarre B Grade team who will be pushing for a top two finish in the Grampians Cricket Association.
In a recent outing Costello claimed four wickets, but failed to make an impact with the bat.
Costello has been retired for 16 years.
Cricket is what he lives and breathes and he hopes to continue playing for a long time to come.
