Allen was an outstanding opening batsman in the Maitland District Cricket Competition over many years, and still holds the record for the most runs ever scored in a season – 841 runs in the 1964-65 season, at an average of 64.7 with three centuries.

It was one of many records to his name – many of which have since been eclipsed, but others still standing today.

In the off season he was also a fine A-Grade golfer at Maitland Golf Club and, when he gave that away, was a representative bowler with East Maitland Bowling Club, also serving many years on the club’s committee.

A former Maitland Boys High School student, he lived in the district all his life.

He died at Living Care East Maitland after suffering a major stroke a number of years earlier.

Away from the sporting arena he was a long time teacher in the area, having stints at Tenambit, Telarah, Metford and Raymond Terrace schools, and was also a lecturer at the Newcastle College of Advanced Education.

“We all know of Dad’s sporting prowess,” his son Peter said. “I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say he was one of the finest cricketers to grace the cricketing fields of Maitland over its long and colourful history.

“But he was a wonderful teacher too and had such an influence on so many lives. He built a strong rapport with his students, fellow teachers and the community.”

But for all his all round talents, it was the cricket field where he is probably best known.

Aside from his record run scoring season in 1964-65, he also holds the record for the highest opening partnership of 248 runs with Terry Finch which it is believed still stands today. As does his record of three centuries in a season, shared also by his brother Ray.

A few seasons back he was named as one of the opening batsmen in the greatest Eastern Suburbs team of its then 125-year history.

Ron is survived by his wife Anne and three children, Vicki, Peter and Jan.

In later life he loved nothing more than to have the grandkids around to his home where the boys would play sport in the backyard – just as the previous generation has done at their Pop’s house – while the girls would be inside with nan, baking biscuits and cakes.

For all his success on and off the field, he remained a popular and extremely humble man.

Maitland has lost one of its finest.