Talented Liam Doddrell opens his innings

Somewhere on the playing fields of suburban Sydney, a dashing young cricketer is blazing a trail of glory on the green turf, winning the admiration of sports lovers by his cricketing prowess. One may think there is nothing special about this.

After all, there are budding young cricketers making their mark all around this cricket loving nation. But the youngster in question is extra special to the Anthonian brotherhood, because he is the grandson of an Anthonian cricketing colossus, the late Charlie Joseph. Liam has been named in the Under 13's Cricket New South Wales cricket academy program, which is a skills development program.

Athletes aged 10 - 16 are eligible for the awards which include the Young Sporting Spirit category, the Junior Sports star and Team Spirit awards. This season he has claimed an average of 98.75 runs.

A journalist for the local journal, Jessica Rapana writes " The young cricket star has been nominated for the local Sports Star award. This season the talented St.Clair Hawks all rounder scored his first century,123 not out and has a haul of 19 wickets." ( Call it the hand of fate, "deja vu" or a coincidence from 55 years ago, but if memory serves me correct, in the Trinity-Anthonian big match of 1960, his grandad Charlie scored 123 !)

According to Liam's dad Daryn Doddrell, he loves batting, bowling, and fielding - in short every aspect of the game. When trials commence, Liam hopes to play for the Penrith Junior Cricket Association.

Liam is on the road to continuing the cricketing tradition of his grandad Charlie, and the Joseph brothers of St.Anthony's. As the article in the local journal states "Liam is on a good wicket." We Anthonians, specially those who knew Charlie and watched him set the ground alight whenever he played the game are certain that Liam will follow in the cricketing footsteps of his legendary grandad.

Take a bow Liam. May the memory and achievements of your grandad be a shining light to you on your cricketing career. We shall follow your progress with interest, and wish you the very best. We are proud of you and are confident that the sound of leather on willow will ring sweeter to all cricket fans, whenever you walk out to the crease on the playing fields of your hometown, and who knows perhaps in the future, to fields beyond.