Keeping it in the family

WESTERN PREMIER LEAGUE

They say blood is thicker than water and in the case of Mudgee cricket, it’s a family affair.

In a possible first, three sets of brothers will play together in a match for the Mudgee opens side.

Cameron and Hayden Cox, Michael and James Ford, and Jamie and Brad Golden will all line-up in Sunday’s Western Premier League match against Cowra in Bathurst.

Mudgee have had brothers play in the same team before but having three sets playing in the one game has everybody scratching their heads and searching the history books.

Not even the queen of Mudgee cricket Betty Endacott could recall a time where three sets of brothers have played together in the opens representative team.

Endacott did say that it is likely it is the first time a set of twins have played for the Mudgee opens side. 

The Golden boys share that honour.

Cricket enthusiasts will remember the likes of the Chappell brothers – Ian, Greg and Trevor – lining up for Australia in the 1970s and 80s, or the Waugh twins – Steve and Mark – guiding the baggy greens to Ashes triumphs over the Poms in the 1990s, or in recent times the Hussey boys – Michael and David – playing for Australia in one-day and Twenty20 matches.

To make it more of a family outing, Sam Joyce is the cousin of the Golden twins.

Mudgee captain Jacob Edmonds didn’t realise of the unique situation when the side was named.

He said he might have his hands full if sibling rivalry gets a bit too much.

“The Fords don’t do anything but fight,” said Edmonds with a laugh.

“The Golden boys. I’m not sure how they get along.”

Although his tongue was firmly planted in his cheek about the relationships between the siblings, he said they deserved to be selected.

Brad is coming off an unbeaten 75 for Lawson Park Hotel while Jamie has been no slouch with the bat in recent weeks.

Michael has scored a few high scores including a century this season, James is the division one leading wicket-taker.

Cameron is explosive with the willow in his hand and younger brother Hayden scored 58 not out in the last WPL match against Blue Mountains.

But scoring runs or taking wickets in Mudgee cricket needs to transfer to the representative level.

“I was saying the other day it is fine playing with your mates on Saturday and what not, but it is a different kettle of fish on Sunday in representative matches,” Edmonds said.

“It’s your town’s best against their town’s best.

“We don’t have the Knights, the Reynolds or the Clulows. It’s a whole new side and we need to step up.”

Despite Mudgee not losing to Cowra in their recent meetings, the Lachlan-based side have improved significantly.

They have qualified for the quarter-finals of the SCG Country Shield after comfortably beating Dubbo Amaroo – Dubbo Amaroo eliminated Mudgee earlier this month.

Joe Kershaw is back from Western Zone duty and Edmonds said he was the big fish Mudgee must catch.

“He is their main man at the moment,” the Mudgee skipper said.

But defeating Blue Mountains a fortnight ago has given Edmonds’ plenty of confidence.

“It was a moral booster. If we can get more of this we can keep on [doing] the job.”

Mudgee take on Cowra at Bathurst’s Sportsground at 10am on Sunday.

n MUDGEE XI: Jacob Edmonds (c), Michael Ford, Troy Kenny, Andrew Best, Hayden Cox, Jamie Golden, Brad Golden, Cameron Cox, James Ford, Nick Chapman, Brad James, Sam Joyce.