Family affair for David Warner on return for Randwick Petersham

VIDEO: DAVID Warner made a statement of intent with a an emotional 155 not out for Randwick Petersham at Coogee Oval.

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DAVID Warner scored an emotional 155 not out in front of his family on his return to cricket in Sydney.

The former Australian vice-captain looked assured at the crease as he guided Randwick Petersham to a final ball victory against St George at Coogee Oval.

David Warner all smiles as he leads the teams off Coogee Oval. Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

His wife Candice, children Ivy Mae and Indi Rae, and his parents, Lorraine and Howard, watched from the stands. He marked his century with his trademark leap before turning to his family. His mother shed a tear as Warner received a warm welcome on his return. Warner lead the team song in the dressing room but declined to speak to the press.

I never get sick of seeing this smile. Well done hubby on 155 not out today for @RandyPetesCC. Always proud of you. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/SFtQO3TbeC

— Candice Warner (@CandyFalzon) September 22, 2018

Randy Petes president Mike Whitney said it was the biggest day for the club for many years.

“There was a lot of emotion when he reached 100. You could see that. This is his road back and you could see what it meant to him.”

David Warner performed his now customary leap on reaching his century. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 22: David Warner of Randwick Petersham celebrates after reaching his century during the NSW First Grade Club Cricket match between Randwick Petersham and St George at Coogee Oval on September 22, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Commenting on the nail biting finish, Whitney added: “It’s given me a few grey hairs. But that was amazing. To score 155 not out in a 50 over match. A great day for David and a great day for the club.”

“It’s emotional. After all the crap we’ve been through,” dad Howard said. “I don’t know, it just might be a bit of a statement.”

Wife Candice later tweeted a picture of her husband with the caption “I never get sick of seeing this smile. Well done hubby on 155 not out today for @RandyPetesCC. Always proud of you.”

St George set Randy Petes 277 with Daya Singh the pick of the bowlers with 3/38.

Test bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Trent Copeland never let the Randy Petes get away and it was down to Riley Ayre — with Warner down the other end — to hit the winning single off the final ball. Former teammate Hazlewood played down talks of a speedy return for Warner to international cricket.

His wife Candice Falzon applauds her husband David Warner as he reaches 100. Picture: Luke Drew

“There is still a lot of water to go under the bridge,” he said. “It is about putting in place a culture...that can fit him back in.”

“It was a petty special knock,” said Hazlewood in his own return from injury.

“Sometimes when it’s a setting like this and you’ve got close friends and family, they’re your most enjoyable moments.”

Warner hit two huge sixes out the ground. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

Matt Calder was the star for second grade with an unbeaten 109. Pat Magann (3/52) and Tom McKenzie (2/26) were the pick of the bowlers in their 8-run victory.

Third, fourth and fifth grades all lost.