CHRIS Rowden was looking down and smiling. There is absolutely no doubt about that.

At Ron Harborne Oval on Saturday afternoon, six teams on three ovals had a few games of friendly, 10-over cricket for the bloke that started the short and sharp concept in Moree in 2023.

Rowden’s mates came from everywhere to pad up and remember one of Moree senior cricket’s most passionate supporters, who was taken way too young a couple of weeks before Christmas last year.

Rowdo was only 39 years old. He left behind wife, Elyse, and their young son, Jasper.

But his memory, and love of cricket, lived on at Ron Harborne Oval when stories were shared, a few lies told, and memories of better times revisited.

Elyse Rowden said her husband would have been delighted by the number of players and spectators at the ovals on Saturday.

“It’s incredibly moving, because it shows how much Chris’s friends love him,” Elyse said.

“To me, it’s community spirit and his friends have wrapped themselves around us as well. They always welcome us, and they’re always looking after us.

“It’s beautiful to know all these people turned up today to have a good time for Chris, and to remember him.

“It’s a beautiful day, lovely weather, and people are enjoying themselves. Chris would’ve been chuffed with this, he would’ve really loved it,” Elyse smiled.

“He organised the 10-over games last year and they went quite well, so it’s nice it’s not being forgotten and that Chris is not forgotten. It’s very touching, very moving.”

The overall Rowdo’s 10s spoils were shared by Pally Bulls 2 and Moree Thunder, with Player of the Day, Will Downes, receiving a $250 Assef’s gift voucher donated by Pius X Moree.

Moree and District Cricket Association president, Grady Sinclair, said the social day out was the perfect way to start the 2024-2025 Moree cricket season.

“The whole day has been really good. There’s been a big turn-out, with lots of family and friends here to watch. The club is very appreciative of that,” Sinclair said.

“Rowdo would be stoked with this turn-out. He started the 10-over comp last year, and he’d be pretty proud of what’s going on today.

“At lot of people and spectators are here, and it’s great to see Rowdo’s family here as well – it’s been a good, fun day to blow off the cobwebs before the season starts next week with 30-over games,” he said.

The pre-Christmas cricket season gets in full swing on Saturday, October 19.

“We’ve got five teams registered. That’s a couple better than last year, and we’re pretty happy with that,” Sinclair said.

“Following the Christmas break we go to a 20-over comp, and we usually have more teams for that.”

Words and Images: Bill Poulos