Stephen bats on for fallen twin brother

NAMBOUR Cutters batsman Stephen Ledger played the hardest knock of his career yesterday when he top-scored with 49 against Maroochydore just a few hours after his twin brother Michael lost his battle with bone cancer

By KESTER HUBBARD NAMBOUR Cutters batsman Stephen Ledger played the hardest knock of his career yesterday when he top-scored with 49 against Maroochydore just a few hours after his twin brother Michael lost his battle with bone cancer.

This time last year Michael was out in the middle at Nambour Showground with his twin and little brother Allan, but yesterday it was left to just two of the Ledger boys to lead the way for the Cutters.

In a mark of respect both sides wore black arm-bands and observed a minutes silence before taking to the field.

Stephens 49 was the highlight in the modest Nambour innings of 130 but under darkening skies the Cutters hit back, fittingly through opening bowler Allan, 18, who snared the first two Maroochydore wickets as the Swans ended at 2-23.

Michael passed away with his brothers, parents and sister Mary-Anne by his side at the family dairy property at Carters Ridge in the early hours of yesterday morning.

After battling for two years, Michael had shared the celebration of his 21st birthday with Stephen two weeks ago today, on October 3.

But after his death there was no thought of the other boys not playing cricket yesterday.

Michael loved cricket about as much as he loved cattle the family moved to Carters Ridge to start dairy farming at his insistance.

And so yesterday morning Grant set off he did every Saturday in summer to coach the Nambour under-14s and Stephen and Allan went down to the showgrounds to do battle with the Swans.

He would have wanted us to play. He wouldnt have wanted it any other way, Stephen said.

It was pretty tough. We knew it was coming so we were a bit prepared, but it was sad to see him go.

We were more shocked a couple of years ago when he was diagnosed. Like weve known for a few months now that the battle was over, but you dont like to see him go.

Stephen and Allan agreed that although Michael couldnt be with them yesterdaym he would have been watching from somewhere. I think he would have been a bit disap-pointed, he said.

To be 2-100 and then all out for 130. But thats life, (theres always) next week

Michael Ledgers funeral will be held in Nambour on Wednesday.

Originally published as Stephen bats on for fallen twin brother