Local cricketers Glenn and David Willmington are living the ultimate father and son dream – and they hope it continues for a long time to come.
Popular members of the Panthers Cricket Club, the pair play on the same sixth grade side and have enjoyed countless memories together over the years.
A fortnight ago, during the final match of the Nepean District Cricket Association regular season, Glenn created another sporting memory for the family when he notched up his 500th career wicket for Panthers at 70-years-old.
After beginning at the club in 1980 aged 30, it took the Emu Plains retiree four decades to reach the incredible milestone – one that he’ll never forget.
“It was a catch at first slip… I got the edge and my teammate Darren Powter took the catch, which was fitting because we’ve been playing cricket together for 25 years,” Glenn told the Weekender.
“Entering the season I was on 494 wickets but, with the strong team we’ve got this year, I thought I might struggle to get a bowl.
“However, our captain was very good and would often give me the ball when he thought I could do something for the team or when the game was put to bed.
“I was on 498 wickets coming into the final game and managed to get two wickets last Saturday to round out the season.”
No one can be prouder of Glenn than his 42-year-old son David, who has also taken more than 540 wickets during his long-run with Panthers.
Glenn said he loves sharing the field with his best mate each week as they rack up record after record.
“David’s a very good bowler, he’s a lot better and more consistent than me,” he said.
“Having played at a higher level, he has a lot more skill and always opens the bowling for our team.
“We’re not sure what the record books show, but it’s definitely quite an achievement to have a father and son playing for the same club and both reaching 500 wickets.”
This weekend the Willmingtons will be looking to end their memorable season in this best way possible when they battle Penrith RSL for the sixth grade premiership.
Glenn said he’ll still keep playing cricket even if his Panthers do win the title.
“The body is good, the mind is still sharp, and the competitiveness is still there – why wouldn’t I still play?” he asked.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.