Cricket matches in Maitland will go ahead as scheduled this Saturday but players will be asked to wear black armbands and observe a minute’s silence in honour of gifted batsman Phil Hughes.

The 25-year-old from Macksville, located just a few hours north of Maitland, died on Thursday afternoon after being struck in the head with a bouncer playing a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground two days earlier.

Maitland and District Cricket Association president Brian Hammonds said the cricket community was in shock.

“It is extraordinarily terrible news,” Hammonds said.

“It’s not something anyone thought would ever happen as a result of playing cricket.

“We have all been there, on the receiving end of a bouncer or even bowling them, but never like this.”

Hammonds said the association had ­considered cancelling matches this weekend, but decided to go ahead as scheduled.

“I would have no issue if any team didn’t want to play this weekend, but after talking to a few of the guys on the committee we have decided to go ahead as normal,” Hammond said.

“I think it’s what Phil would have wanted – not to stop, but to go out and play the game he loved in the right spirit.

“We are asking everyone to wear black armbands and observe a minute silence as a mark of respect.”

Maitland and District Junior Cricket Association president Glen Findlay said he would also encourage players in junior ­competitions to wear black armbands, but to also enjoy playing the game with friends.

“We want the kids to enjoy the game for the games’ sake,” Findlay said.

“We would say that every weekend but this weekend especially.

“Get out there and enjoy the game with all of your mates.”

On the field and the first grade match of the round has undefeated competition leaders City United hosting Western Suburbs at Robins Oval, Kurri Weston are at home to winless Raymond Terrace, while Thornton Park and Eastern Suburbs meet at Tenambit Oval.

The one-day fixtures start at noon.

Title holders Northern Suburbs have the bye.

The cricket community is in shock ­following the death of Phil Hughes on Thursday after he was struck in the head by a bouncer while batting in a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG on Tuesday afternoon.

Here is the reaction from the Maitland first grade cricket sides: 

Matthew Trappel – City United

“It makes me sick. I was just at training and no-one wanted to bat or bowl. He was a very talented batsman and would have played a lot of Test matches for Australia. He scored one of the best hundreds I have ever seen playing against him. He was only 18 playing under-21 Country Championships and I still talk about it today. I think the entire cricket community is just stunned.”

Andrew Vickery – Eastern Suburbs

“You just never think anything like that is ever going to happen – the innocence is gone.”

Tyler Power – Kurri Weston

“It’s not a good day at all. He was only 25 years old. And I really feel for Sean Abbott, he was only out there doing his best and now this has happened.”

Terry Humphreys – Northern Suburbs

“He was out there playing the sport he loves and now it has all been taken away. He still had his best cricket days ahead of him.”

Nick Savage – Raymond Terrace

“It’s absolutely terrible, I just can’t believe it. You know the risks involved but you never think anything like this would ever happen.”

Ricky Dent – Thornton Park 

“It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. I remember playing against him at Bradman Cup when he was only 14. It just goes to show how vulnerable life is.”

Tom Irwin – Western Suburbs 

“It’s just shattering. Absolutely unbelievable and never thought anything like this would have come from it.”