Life member walks on for 250th

SATURDAY’S match between Teesdale and Little River cricket clubs marked a special occasion for a longtime Roos member.

The showdown was the 250th for Shaun Campbell, who said he was blown away by the response to his landmark game.

“It was really overwhelming,” he said. “There were a lot of people who’d come up to watch and support us.

“The highlight for me was getting to play with my brother, cousins, and a lot of mates I’ve played cricket with over time.

“The club put on a really good day. I think I got a headache because of it.”

A life member of the Teesdale CC, Campbell said he’s been with the Roos from “day dot” following his parents’ move to town soon after the club’s establishment.

Members of Teesdale Cricket Club first took to the pitch in 1983, and the Campbell family has been a longtime fixture of the group, with Shaun’s brother Leigh currently serving as president, as did their father.

“Some people do call it the Campbell Cricket Club instead,” Shaun said. “My brother’s president. Our dad was president. My younger brother was a captain and coach. So was I. My cousins were presidents, secretaries, and treasurers.”

A highlight for Shaun is the group’s non-consecutive run of premiership wins which started in the 2008/2009 season.

Shaun, who’s lived in Teesdale all his life, said it’s his family’s connection to the club and his camaraderie with lifelong friends that’s kept him devoted to the Roos.

“I tried a few stints of pre-season in Geelong and South Barwon but I just love Teesdale, and there’s nothing better to play cricket with your mates and sit down with a beer afterwards,” he said.

“The club was like a little community growing up and it always has been.

“We’ve all got kids now and we’re getting to see them doing what we did growing up.”