Chris Rowden, who died in December 2023, started the short-format cricket now played in his memory each year. Photo: Supplied
The game that now bears Chris Rowden’s nickname started with an idea of his own. In 2023, the former Moree cricket president introduced a short, 10-over format as part of years spent helping keep senior cricket going in Moree.
After his sudden death in December that year, the game took on a different meaning. The competition became Rowdo’s 10s, an annual day played in his memory.
Chris, known widely as Rowdo, had been around Moree cricket since his teenage years, long-time local cricketer Darrell Smith recalled. His recollection appeared in Moree Online News on 14 October 2025. Over time he became increasingly involved behind the scenes, eventually serving as president and taking responsibility for running the local competition. His contribution extended to junior cricket.
Moree and District Cricket Association committee member Ben Ryan said Chris was the person who stepped forward when local cricket needed someone to take charge. “He picked up the pieces when people didn’t really want to put their hand up to run the comp,” Mr Ryan said. “He was big in junior cricket as well.”
That commitment to keeping people playing remains reflected in the competition carrying his nickname. Thunder, Golfies and Crows will contest this year’s Rowdo’s 10s at Ron Harborne Oval from 1pm on Saturday 10 October. Each team will play the other two before a final decides the winner, with matches played over 10 overs per innings and eight players in each side.
The shortened game comes with its own rules. Batters retire after reaching 30 runs, while wides and no-balls count as four runs and are not re-bowled.
But Rowdo’s 10s has become about more than the result. Chris’s parents, partner and son continue to attend the annual event and join players for the presentation of the memorial shield at the end of the afternoon.
For Mr Ryan and many of the players who knew Chris, the afternoon remains personal. “It’s really sentimental for most boys down there, but it’s just good to get kids down there,” Mr Ryan said.
Play is expected to continue until about 5pm. Entry is free.
