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.
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 with Western Suburbs and was a member of the 3rd grade premiership winning team. His stint at Wests was cut short by Fred Bennett 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.
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.
Dad went on to be the leading wicket taker in 2nd grade for over 5 seasons. 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 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.
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.