All in the Family
CRICKET
THE Smiths — a fourpiece band from Manchester in the 1980s.
Or a family of cricketers who lined up for the first time on Saturday for the Clutha Comets.
Dad Rhiane, who used to play for Otago in the 1990s, was lucky enough to have his three sons playing with him on Saturday in South Otago club cricket.
Rhiane opened the batting while following him through the order were Kelan (18), Connor (20) and Brooklyn (16).
It was the first time Rhiane had played cricket at a senior level with his three sons and said it was something he had always wanted to do.
‘‘The older two have always played cricket and been going well. The youngest guy, he took a couple of years away from the game, and came back this year,’’ Smith said.
‘‘It was something that I always wanted to do before I retired. It was good fun, the guys did well and Lawrence is a fun side to play against.’’
Smith (46) has been coaching the Otago Country side this year but still gets on the park when he can. He has not coached his sons much when they were growing up but always kept an eye on their development.
The side ended up losing to the Lawrence Lions by 17 runs in Balclutha.
Kelan Smith took three wickets when Lawrence batted.
In reply a 57run opening partnership between Mike Edwards and Rhiane Smith got the Comets off to a strong start.
Rhiane Smith dominated the partnership. In fact he could not have been more dominant. Edwards contributed no runs to the partnership but held up an end as Smith showed why he is still one of the most dangerous batsmen in the competition. Smith was dismissed nine overs into the innings but scored 67 runs off just 34 balls with three fours and seven sixes.
Kelan Smith carried on his father’s work with a nicely hit 42 off 39 balls but noone else could find a meaningful total, as the Comets were bowled out for 215 in the 35th over, in what was a spirited chase.