The name Gabriel has been synonymous with Maitland cricket for the past 25 years.
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First of all it was a band of brothers guiding Thornton to their first and only top grade premiership in 1989-1990.
Since then it has been Peter, better known as Pommy, scoring runs, taking wickets and even donning the gloves behind the stumps.
But this Saturday the cycle of life has almost come full circle and a father will be joined by two sons in the same first grade side.
Peter, 44, will play alongside 20-year-old Matt and 17-year-old Jono in what will mark a rare cricketing feat.
“We’re all looking forward to it,” Peter said.
“It keeps the interest in it for me – a lot of the older guys have gone now and its good to see the younger guys coming through.”
And while there has been limited sledging between the trio in the lead-up to Thornton’s season opener against title holders Northern Suburbs, there has been a little side wager.
“We have an in-family bet going,” Peter said. “Most runs scores a beer afterwards.”
The second round fixture will be the first for Thornton in 2014-2015 after coming off the bye and the one-day encounter will be played at Tenambit with Thornton No.1 undergoing repairs.
Thornton failed to win a game last season but Ricky Dent’s men, including a few new recruits, will be keen to start the campaign on a winning note.
Norths on the other hand will hope to continue the momentum they gained after scoring an outright win first up against Raymond Terrace and claiming maximum points, which is now 10 based on the new scoring system introduced by Maitland and District Cricket Association this season.
Around the grounds and Kurri Central will host the match of the round between first up winners Kurri Weston and City United, who picked up six points apiece for their efforts, while at Jack Collins Oval both Raymond Terrace and Western Suburbs will attempt to bounce back from losses last week.
Play starts at noon.
Eastern Suburbs have the bye.
In other cricket news Maitland’s senior representative side will play a double header against Cessnock at Miller Park on Sunday.
The match will mark the opening round of the Hunter Valley Cricket Council’s John Bull Shield, which Maitland hold, and round two of the SCG Country Shield knockout.
The game is scheduled for 10am.