Craigieburn’s Mitchell Kermath couldn’t believe his ears when his mum Sue called him on Thursday night to tell him his cricket club’s team selections for the weekend.
Not being available for day two of the two-day match in the club’s top grades, Mitch thought he would have the weekend off.
The club had other ideas and in the process, Mitchell, Sue and Ray Kermath made history.
“Mum called from the club to say that herself, dad and I would be playing in the same team on Saturday,” Mitchell said.
“I asked, ‘Are you sure?’ … she said, ‘Yes’, which was pretty exciting.”
The three played in Craigieburn’s North West Metropolitan Cricket Association’s Barry Clissold Shield side against Pascoe Vale Sports Club. Ray, who is in his second year at the club, normally plays in the side, while Sue plays for the club women’s team and fills in for the men’s XI when she’s needed.
Sue is in her third year at the club after initially offering to be a substitute fielder.
Fittingly, there were two of the Kermaths at the crease when the winning runs were hit.
“I ended up batting with dad at the end of the innings,” Mitchell said.
“I finished 64 not out, while dad was nought not out.
“Mum was in next. I think she was hoping dad would go out so we could bat together,
too.”
Mitchell said the match was one of his career highlights.
“It definitely is as it’s likely to be a one-off,” he said. “It’s the first time I’ve played with either of them.”
Craigieburn secretary Mike Brown said it was special for the club to be able to let the three play together.
“Sue and Ray have played together previously and when we were looking at the players for the side, we thought it would be a nice touch for all three to play together.
“A lot of people were surprised by the decision but understood once we explained Mitch couldn’t play in his normal side.
“We’ve had father and sons play together, but this is unique.’’
Tara Murray
