Thirteen family combinations take the pitch for Athelstone Cricket Club in one week

A decade ago this local cricket club was on the brink of folding, now it’s achieved a remarkable feat possibly never seen before in South Australian sport.

Around 10 years ago the Athelstone Cricket Club was on the verge of folding, but just last week it achieved a new feat by fielding 13 separate family combinations through multiple matches.

Five father-son combinations, three uncle-nephew combinations, two father-daughters, two brother combinations, and a brother and sister partnership made up the tally.

The club could only get four people to training in 2010 but has steadily grown since then to now field seven senior teams and seven junior teams.

(Back row, L-R) Damian, Nathan and Alexa Leach, Leon and Brenton Brand, Joel and Bob Hutchison, Ronan and Kevin McFadden, Luca Crosato and Adam Davis, Anthony Dowler and Callum Levi, (front row, L-R) George Mestros, Anthony and Ron Close, Makayla, Bailey and Jamie McDonald, and Brodie Spencer and Tony Williams made up most of the family combinations who played together for Athelstone last week. Picture: Supplied

President Tony Williams said the recent family achievement was indicative of the club’s growth in numbers and culture.

“We’ve really managed to get our participation up through our junior program and kids are now developing to play consistent junior and then senior cricket. This is evidence that we’ve been doing some good things,” Williams said.

“I think this also reflects the family values and culture at the club right now which is something that is really important to us and far more meaningful than winning a game of cricket.”

Athelstone has also experienced recent success, and just last year won its first two-day premiership in the Adelaide Turf Cricket Association competition by defeating Adelaide Uni.

Athelstone Cricket Club has gone from struggling to field a team to boasting seven senior teams and seven junior teams. Player Brenton Brand and his sons Henry and Leon with club president Tony Williams and son Declan, pictured in 2014 amid the club’s dramatic rise. Picture: Noelle Bobrige

Williams said the success had been a reflection of the hard work put in by everyone involved at the club.

“We’ve just slowly managed to improve each year. In 2016 we had three of our four senior teams play in grand finals and then last year we won our first two-day premiership, which means a lot,” he said.

“The growth and success is just a reflection put in by volunteers, players, coaches and families.”

While the success has been a thrill for everyone involved, Williams added that it wasn’t the ultimate goal.

“At the end of the day we just want to keep driving our junior program forward and instilling a positive culture in the club,” he said.

“Our approach has always been about enjoyment, family involvement, sportsmanship and participation rather than having to win at all costs.”