Devastating weekend of local sport: Two men die while on the cricket field
Rod Tinworth and Simon Marks died while playing in two separate games of cricket in Newcastle in a tragic weekend of local sport. Here’s how they are being remembered by family and friends.
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A husband, father, friend and all-round gentleman.
Rod Tinworth, 47, affectionately known as ‘Tinnie’ to his mates, tragically collapsed and died while at the batting crease playing for Bonnells Bay Hotel Cricket Club on the weekend.
He was unable to be revived despite CPR attempts before paramedics arrived.
The former policeman loved all sports from bodyboarding to triathlons, but friends described his greatest sporting passion as cricket.
He also had a love of music which he shared with his wife Mel and two young daughters.
A Go Fund Me page has been set up on behalf of Mr Tinworth’s family, which is set to assist with funeral costs and family living support.
In a horror weekend of local sport, Mr Tinworth was one of two men who died while playing cricket at two separate matches in Newcastle.
Father-of-two Simon Marks, 45, was also at the crease batting playing in a D2 grade fixture for Dora Creek Workers Cricket Club when he suddenly fell to his knees and collapsed.
The leading all-time catch taker for the club, Mr Marks was a stalwart of local cricket and will be “greatly missed’ by everyone.
It was in front of his 17-year-old step son Louis, who was umpiring at the time.
He paid tribute to the great man he was.
“Simon was a great man, he played a huge part in my life,” he said.
“He was like my dad. He will be greatly missed by everyone and it’s very sad news, but he knows that we all loved him and will never forget him.”
Teammate Karl Zalewski said Mr Marks was a wicket-keeper, captain and mentor for several of the younger boys at the club.
He said despite a knock earlier in the game, Mr Marks was his usual jovial self.
“I was first slip talking with him the whole time and he was fine,” Mr Zalewski said.
“He got a hit with the ball and felt a little sick after the innings but still wanted to open the batting.
“After the end of the sixth over I think they were all walking to meet in the middle for a chat. Simon had a smile and jovial look on him.
“When they were a metre apart Simon collapsed.”
Jacob, a 17-year-old player who was being mentored by Mr Marks went to his aid and started CPR, which went on for 20 minutes before paramedics arrived, but nothing could be done.
Another player on the opposing team was commended for his support during the incident.
“Dylan Beveridge who played for Central Leagues Club stayed with Louis. He never left his side and held him like family,” Mr Zalewski said.
“I love the camaraderie, compassion and respect that was shown.”
In a statement by the Newcastle City and Suburban Cricket Association (NCSCA), the association, players and umpires passed on sincere condolences to family and teammates of the two men.
“We praise all involved for doing their very best in this difficult situation, by performing CPR on both players till the ambulance arrived,” Spokesperson for the association Wes Inglis said
“Players from both opposing teams showed care and true sportsmanship during these tragedies.”