HISTORY was made in the Peel Cricket Association round eight fixture with a record breaking 168-run last wicket stand.
The feat was achieved by thirteen-year-old Joe Lovell and his dad Dave in the Halls Head Cricket Club’s F-grade encounter with Warnbro.
After a 38-run opening stand Halls Head slipped to 9/61 after Warnbro posted 6/199.
Playing in his third senior game, Joe lent assistance to his dad to post his highest score, 36, in the men’s competition and help his side to victory.
Dave, an accomplished cricketer, coaches Joe’s under 14s team and only fills in for F-grade when required.
He went on to post 123 not-out before Halls Head were eventually bowled out for 229.
“It was an awesome feat just on its own but to be able to do it with your son made it all that more special,” Dave said.
“Playing with your son in any sport is an honour and a privilege; I was just happy to coach his junior team.”
Joe said he was really nervous when he came to the crease.
“Dad said if you stay out with me we can do this,” Joe said.
“I was really happy when we made it.
“It made it special to do it with dad, people always had told me you should see your dad bat but I never had been able to.
“He played cricket in Wales; to see him bat close up was amazing.”
Halls Head’s F-grade captain Ashley Wyborn said the team were obviously worried they had thrown the game away.
“Our side was 9/61 chasing 200 to win,” he said.
“It was a great effort.”
Joe, a leg spinner, was also instrumental with the ball, collecting 3/41 from his six overs.
Wyborn said the Halls Head Cricket Club focused on developing young talent and had so far played eight boys under the age of 14.
“They gain experience playing against the men,” he said.
“They [the younger players] may not have the strength of the men but they are going to be really good cricket players when they're older.
“I’ve captained the lower grades for a long time and I get a real kick out of seeing the younger players go on and play A-grade and for Rockingham-Mandurah,” he said.
Joe said he liked playing in the senior grades compared to the juniors.
“In the seniors you don’t have to retire after 20 balls,” he said.
“It's tougher, some of the guys can bowl pretty quick.”
In his junior cricket side Joe is yet to get out and he also plays soccer for Madora Bay and does triathlons.
