Tara Murray
It was a family affair for Eynesbury Cricket Club’s third XI in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association on Saturday.
Short on players, Arthur and son Heath Pritchard put their hands up to help out the club, playing alongside Heath’s son, Lachlan Pritchard.
Heath, who had a successful sub-district cricket career, said it was special to play with both his father and son.
“It’s a rare thing,” he said of three generations playing together.
“My son started playing at Eynesbury this season. They were short a couple of weeks ago and I played.
“They were short again for the weekend and both myself and dad said we would play.”
It’s believed it’s the first time three generations have played in the one side for the club.
Arthur, who came in at number five, got the chance to bat with both his grandson and son, who came in at six and seven respectively.
The Australian over-70s captain top scored with 66 not out.
“Him [Arthur] getting to bat with Lachie was nice and that was the biggest highlight of the day,” Heath said.
“He also got to bat with a few other kids.”
Heath made seven, while Lachie made five, having made 35 in the under-15s earlier that morning.
All three had a bowl, but didn’t take a wicket.
Despite both Arthur and Heath having successful cricket careers, it’s the first time the two have played an official game together.
Heath said he never thought that he’d have the chance to play with his dad or son.
“Dad was going down the ranks when I was going up in our cricketing lives,” he said.
“Lachie played one season when he was nine and now back as a 14-year old out of the blue,” he said.
“He seems to be enjoying it.”
