Mackay Cricket Association: Pioneer Valley fielded two father-daughter combinations in same side
Selection headaches paved the way for a special slice of history at Pioneer Valley, and more could yet be made. Discover the remarkable story.
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A father-daughter combination taking to a senior cricket field together is special.
But two in the same team? It’s almost unheard of.
However that was the reality for Pioneer Valley’s second grade side in its round five clash against Magpies.
“It was a bit of a surreal moment because we were racing from juniors to get to seniors so there wasn’t much thought put into it,” recalled Troy Thompson, who lined up alongside daughter Eeden.
“But after the game once you reflect back on what happened it was a very proud moment.”
The other pairing consisted of Bryan Holdsworth and daughter Elisha.
Thompson revealed it had always been the plan for both he and Bryan to play alongside their daughters at some point, but it was expected to happen in third grade.
A player shortage and mad scramble to fill the side meant both girls would get the opportunity to play seconds in the same game.
It was a historic day for Pioneer Valley, as the second grade side had never featured two women before, and two father-daughter combinations had never played alongside each other at any level.
“The whole club’s really proud of them,” said president Dean Zeller.
“(Eeden and Elisha) stepped up when the club needed them, both of them fielded really well, they can hold their heads really high.”
Thompson echoed the president’s sentiments.
“It was a very proud dad day for Bryan and myself, and for the club,” Thompson said.
“Our club’s got a really strong female pathway when it comes to females in cricket, we’re very proud of our girls’ achievements.
“We got away with the win so that was even more special.”
Playing with his daughter was a familiar feeling for Bryan Holdsworth, who had previously played an entire season of third grade - which would culminate in a premiership - alongside his eldest daughter Haylee.
It had been hoped the weekend’s round six clash against Pinnacle would be the day he got to play with both Elisha and Haylee in the same side.
It wasn’t to be however, with the plan put on hold temporarily as Haylee came down with the flu.
But Bryan was able to take the field with Elisha for the second week running, although rain put a dampener on the occasion, causing the match to be abandoned after just 25 overs.
With the 40-over competition now on hold until February as T20s take precedence, the Pioneer Valley Seconds are well-placed, sitting second on the ladder with four wins.
Both Eeden and Elish are set to figure in representative action this weekend, with Eeden lining up for the Mackay-Whitsunday U18s, and Elisha the U16s.
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