Col (Chucker) Thomlinson Balmain First grade player no 257

Steve Thomlinson | February 08, 2023

Col Thomlinson was a brilliant cricketer, but to me he was more than that. He was my Dad, a teacher, a family man, a friend and a team-mate. He showed me the importance of resilience, determination and friendship. Qualities that I’ve strived to pass onto future generations of cricketers.

As early back as I can remember, each week Dad use to take me to visit my Nan. His dedication and love for family is something that I still cherish to this day. One particular Saturday sticks in my memory, and ultimately changed my life. He took me to the local cricket at Hammond Park. I still remember seeing the guys on the field, laughing, chatting, throwing a ball around and I knew straight away that this was something I wanted to be a part of. It wasn’t long after that Dad has me signed up to the Croydon CC Under 12’s at 8 years of age.

The legacy of cricket in the Thomlinson family runs deep, suffice to say it’s in our blood. Dad was born in Hobart in 1923. His father Harold, known as ‘Tommy’, was a local Ashfield cricketer. Tommy’s father, Charles, also played club cricket in Hobart, while his uncle, Arthur, famously played a first-class match versus England, scoring 45.

Dad played his cricket in his early days in the Western Suburbs juniors. In his teens he and his Dad Tommy played for a local Ashfield club team, starting the tradition of Thomlinson fathers and sons playing together, which I’ve been lucky enough to do my two sons, David and Sam. Dad gained selection in the Western Suburbs Green Shield team where he performed with distinction. He went on to play grade for Western Suburbs and was a member of the 3rd grade premiership winning team. His stint at Wests was cut short by Fred Bennett (the famous Balmain Cricket administrator and player) who asked Dad to try his luck at the Balmain Tigers. The switch to Tiger Town was met with immediate success. Dad took a remarkable 25 wickets in his first six matches with a best performance of 6-39 v Manly, which quickly got him promoted to 2nds where he was a member of the Premiership winning team, taking 29 wickets at 11. Highlights including by 8-33 v Wests where an unfortunate Wests batsman had three teeth knocked out by one that jumped off a length.

The following season saw Dad gain selection in First grade. His success was mixed, with highs and lows, like any sporting career. As much as the wickets came so did the no-balls. For the first time in his career he was called for throwing. Sadly for Dad, it was only in First grade that his action was deemed unsatisfactory. Upon his return to 2nd grade the wickets flowed and the thought of his “dubious action” was ignored by the Umpires.

Dad went on to be the leading wicket taker in 2nd grade for over 5 seasons (no-wonder they didn’t want him in first-grade.) His top performance was 9-55 v Cumberland. He also took 8 wickets innings on another 6 occasions. He put the throwing controversy aside, and just enjoyed playing his cricket with his mates. His total haul of wickets at Balmain was just shy of 400.

With my career at Balmain underway as a nervous 14 year old, Dad decided we too should have a season together. The joy of walking out to open the batting together and taking a catch off his bowling while standing nervously under a high ball at mid-off, will live with me for all my days. He finished with the tremendous figures of 5-22 in which was his last match.

Dad’s sporting life was amazing. His stories of playing against Sid Barnes, Neil Harvey, to watching Don Bradman and the body line series were incredible. He also played Baseball for NSW and the Australian Cardinals and won a number of State singles Tennis titles.

Even more important were the lessons he passed down: That family, mate-ship and team-work are solid foundations for life. As I reflect on Dads career I marvel on how it has enriched our lives.

Well played Dad, your legacy lives on.