It is well documented in Manning cricket and the St George District Cricket Club about the career of Jon Jobson.
His ability as a junior in the Manning caught the eye of judges further afield. A talent scout from Saints sounded out Jon and his family about his cricketing future in the early 1970s.
However, we shall step back in time a decade or so.
The NSW Sheffield Shield team was heading north to play Queensland in a Shield encounter. A stopover game in Taree was planned against a Manning/Mid Coast XII. It was October, 1962.
Among a galaxy of state stars, the team included Brian Booth and Warren Saunders, St George clubmen. To add further appeal to the match, the Shield side included Johnny Martin, a local Manning champion.
One member of the Manning side was Andy Jobson, Jon’s dad.
Warren and Brian peppered the local attack to the tune of 89 and 97 respectively, Brian Booth eventually falling to a catch by none other than Andy Jobson.
This interlude in play may have fallen innocently on young Jon, in the crowd at less than seven years of age.
The catch was Part 1 of the intervening connection of fate.
The talent scout from St George to meet and discuss Jon’s future with his family happened to be Brian Booth several years later.
The family handshake to join Saints became Part 2 of an engrossing and fateful turn of events.
Jon’s time during a fine career took effect under the guidance of both Warren and Brian, years earlier as opponents of Dad Andy.
Jon’s roles in his new club included that of a fine batsman, 1st Grade Premiership Captain, Club President, CEO, and Life Member and St George CC Hall of Fame.
