Star SA cricketer Kelvin Smith plays with Mypolonga in RMFL

The muddy winter country footy ovals are a far cry from the curated pitch of Adelaide Oval, but they’ve proved the perfect tonic for this SA cricket star.

He’s toured the country as part of the Redbacks squad, made hundreds for fun in the state’s first-grade cricket competition and even represented his country.

But former Redbacks gun and cricketing wizard Kelvin Smith is back where it all began.

After a decade away from the oval-ball game, Smith has picked it back up again with Mypolonga in the River Murray Football League, and he says it has been a welcome change.

“It’s been a great release from cricket,” he told The Messenger.

“Cricket is always something I’ve loved, but I’ve always held myself at a high standard and taken on a lot of pressure.

Kelvin Smith playing for the Redbacks against Queensland in 2019. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

Smith playing in a practice match for the Melbourne Renegades. Pictures: Alan Barber

“But playing footy and having no pressure or expectation, just going out and having fun has been a great release.”

Like many Australian cricketers, there came a time in Smith’s life where he had to make the choice between flashing the willow or muddy winter ovals.

He chose the former.

Smith was in April named among the state’s most prolific run scorers and in 2019 broke an SA cricketing record, bettering David Hookes – both accomplishments more than validating that choice.

While Smith’s Mypolonga side has not had the most successful season, he said he always wanted to get back to the game he grew up loving.

The Tigers have managed to secure just two wins from 14 games and sit equal bottom.

Smith (bottom right) before a game for Mypolonga earlier in the season. Picture: Supplied

But Smith says the season, and his club, are about more than just footy.

“With country footy everybody is out there to first and foremost enjoy their weekend, their footy and their teammates – that’s all part of it,” he said.

“I’m absolutely loving footy, there’s no question about that.

“It’s been a tough year, but it’s still been very enjoyable.”

Smith’s Mypolonga suffered a heavy defeat in round 16 of the RMFL season at the weekend.

Here’s how the rest of the RMFL’s Round 16 played out:

Rambler 22.15 (147) d Mypolonga 11.8 (74)

Bottom-placed Ramblers ensured the wooden spoon race stayed interesting with just three minor rounds remaining by thrashing Mypolonga.

The Mypo defence had no answer from the Roosters who piled on their highest score of the season thanks to bags from Keynan Harradine, Michael Wegener (both five goals) and Jacob Trevorrow (three).

Harradine was also his side’s best in a game that saw Ramblers snatch back some bragging rights after two losses to the Tigers earlier in the season.

Returning to the side after a few games with Sturt’s reserves side, a standout performance from Jordan Hein was in vain as Ramblers ran out easy victors.

Jervois 21.12 (138) d Meningie 3.11 (29)

Jervois proved once again they are the team to beat in 2022, annihilating Meningie to the tune of 109 points – their second consecutive triple-figure victory.

Superstar spearhead Josh Scott, recently named the best player in the league, was again dominant with seven goals, taking his season total to 63 from 11 games.

But it was dynamic duo Ben Hansen and Peter Zarantello who had the most influence on the game off halfback and through the middle respectively.

Matthew Hartman battled his heart out for Meningie to be named his side’s best.

Tailem Bend 13.10 (88) d Mannum 13.8 (86)

In undoubtedly the match of the round, Tailem Bend survived the fright of the season and managed to keep touch with Jervois on the ladder.

The win, which came on the back of another standout performance from Lachlan Thomas, saw the Eagles retain second spot on the ladder.

Thomas (four goals) and Connor Smelt (five) accounted for a majority of their side’s score while star ruckman Nick Westhoff continued a fine season for the victors.

Mannum’s ruthless challenge was championed by Mitchell Heward and smooth-moving midfielder Harrison Hawkins, who were their side’s best.

Tailem Bend’s victory set up a round 17 top-of-the-table thriller between them and Jervois in what could prove to be a Grand Final preview.