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Q: Recently, I was asked to present a cricket trophy back in Gilgandra (60km north of Dubbo) in honour and behalf of my dad, Ross ‘Chicka’ Smith. Driving five and a half hours to Gilgandra from Sydney I recalled some amazing moments my father was involved with. Like playing against the Poms for Orana region.
Dad was an opening bowler who swung the ball both ways and deceived many a batsman with his off paced balls and guile. So much so, that at the age of 10 I witnessed Dad taking 10 wickets in an innings.
I was perplexed going to the scorer and seeing his 10 for 29 in the book. I couldn't wait to go home and let mum know after witnessing this mighty feat.
When I told mum, she said, "Oh that's the third time he has done that. Oh, yes he took a 10 for 36 and another 10 for 26." I was staggered.
Three lots of 10 wickets in one innings. The nearest I’ve ever been was 6 for 23.
But Dad's achievements moved a little 10-year-old to play cricket and have that determination to go all the way. Needless to say, I thank Dad for his example and many of the young boys at the time in Gilgandra came up to me and said how much dad inspired them to bowl and bat.
Some of those boys were involved with Gilgandra (a town of only 3000 people) winning the regional championships in NSW in 2023 for the first time.
Role models are hard to find these days, make sure you cherish those moments.
