Colin Elliott died from a heart attack at his East Maitland home in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

He was 72.

The dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman rose to prominence in Maitland before playing first grade in both Newcastle and Sydney, represented Northern NSW against five international touring teams, travelled the world with the Emus in 1961, captained the Australian Armed Services team and was once on the verge of NSW and possibly national selection. 

Elliott also completed a rare and almost unheard of sporting ­hat-trick – playing first grade rugby league, rugby union and Australian rules for Maitland.

He was also an A-grade table ­tennis player and as a 10-year-old boxed on the opening night of the Maitland Police Boys Club before contesting bouts at both Newcastle and Sydney showgrounds.

His twin brother, Allan Elliott of Telarah, said sport was an integral part of a larger-than-life character.

“He was very competitive and very talented, but he loved the ­friendships,” Allan said.

“Both on and off the field, it was the friends and the humour.”

Colin was renowned for his ­cricketing prowess behind the stumps after first taking the gloves playing juniors for Police Boys.

The skill saw him become a NSW Colts and NSW 2nd XI representative, which was nearly followed by higher honours in 1963.

“There was a NSW spot up for grabs and he had it, but he didn’t go to training,” Allan said.

“He had been promised a job, but wasn’t living down in Sydney at the time and couldn’t make it. 

“[Future NSW and Australian wicketkeeper] Brian Tabor got the spot, but if Colin was living down in Sydney he would have kept for Australia.”

Allan recalls the impressions his twin brother made on those in cricket circles.

“Max Fox was asked to name his best ever Newcastle side and he put Colin ahead of other Australian, NSW and Newcastle representatives,” Allan said.

“He said Colin was the best keeper because he could keep up to the stumps to all types of bowling.”

Colin and Allan were introduced to cricket on their family farm at Phoenix Park after receiving an old bat and ball from their grandfather.

At the age of 15 the pair had been graded at Northern Districts and later played firsts at the Lorn club.

Colin, who was the first player to score a junior representative century for Maitland, also went on to play firsts for Police Boys, Combined City and Eastern Suburbs in the local competition. 

On three occasions (1962-1963, 1965-1966, 1969-1970) he topped the Maitland district batting ­aggregate. His best effort was 714 runs at an average of 79.3, becoming one of five players in 120 years to reach 500 before Christmas.

He spent five seasons in Newcastle between Merewether and Wallsend. 

He played half a season in Sydney with Manly and also had a stint at Penrith alongside the likes of John Benaud and Ian Davis.

Representing Northern NSW he played against England twice, Pakistan, South Africa and the Rest of the World.

And as part of his 28 years in the air force he was named skipper of the Australian Armed Services side despite not being the highest ranked officer in the team. 

In his earlier years he captained the NSW Combined High Schools I team in 1961 and in the same year embarked on a three-month world tour with the Emus, which included a dinner at the spiritual home of ­cricket in England – Lord’s.

Recently Elliott had ongoing health issues and had been in a wheelchair for regular hospital visits during the past month. 

He is survived by his twin brother Allan and his two sons, Craig and Mark, and four grandchildren.

His funeral will be held at Campbell’s Hill on Thursday from 11am.