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South Australian cricketer and Norwood footballer Kenneth Horsnell has been remembered by friends and family

A South Australian cricket and football legend has been remembered by friends and family following his death earlier this month.

Kenneth Horsnell with his wife Janine Horsnell (nee Squires). Picture: Supplied.
Kenneth Horsnell with his wife Janine Horsnell (nee Squires). Picture: Supplied.

A well-known state cricketer and Norwood footballer has been remembered by family following his death earlier this month.

Kenneth ‘Charlie’ ‘Kenny” Horsnell, 90, died on October 1 surrounded by his family at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

A tribute published by Mr Horsnell’s family in The Advertiser on Saturday referred to the sportsman as a much loved husband, father, father-in-law, ‘Grump’ and ‘Great Grump’.

Kenneth Horsnell played football for Norwood in the 1950s. Picture: Redlegs Museum
Kenneth Horsnell played football for Norwood in the 1950s. Picture: Redlegs Museum

The tribute went on to thank the staff at Mt Carmel Residential Care and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

“Bowl ‘em over in heaven, Kenny. RIP,” it reads.

The sportsman was born on September 3, 1933 in the inner-city suburb of Joslin to a pioneer family.

Mr Horsnell had a prosperous sporting career starting with football where he played for the Norwood Redlegs in 1956.

The Redlegs Museum refers to Mr Horsnell as a “gifted sportsman” whose career in football was stopped short due to his commitment to cricket.

Mr Horsnell started out with the Norwood Colts in 1951 as a half-forward before being chosen for the State Colts team where he played Mid-Murray at Ramco.

After a short stint in the Navy National Service, he returned to Norwood and made the senior list in 1952 after kicking eight goals in a trial match.

Mr Horsnell later returned to play for Payneham in the amateur league and played two games with Norwood in 1956 before retiring to concentrate on cricket.

Kenneth Horsnell marrying Janine Horsnell (nee Squires). Picture: Supplied.
Kenneth Horsnell marrying Janine Horsnell (nee Squires). Picture: Supplied.

The cricketer, known as a fast-medium left-arm swing bowler, initially represented Kensington and East Torrens before moving to represent the state.

Mr Horsnell took 44 wickets at an average of 31.72 – with his best performance being 6/80.

His career – spanning eight years from 1953 to 1961 – was interrupted after he suffered a back injury as a result of a motor vehicle accident.

Mr Horsnell played a total of 16 first-class matches for the state.

The well respected cricketer will be farewelled on Friday in a service at Berry’s Funeral Home in Norwood.

Family have asked for people to donate to Bowel Cancer Australia in lieu of flowers.

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/south-australian-cricketer-and-norwood-footballer-kenneth-horsnell-has-been-remembered-by-friends-and-family/news-story/a0339cc9e11c1e609fb87764762f29be