The father-son combination not only shared the same cricket field last Saturday, but were opposing captains.

James led the Koroit division three team at Victoria Park while Nick skippered the visiting Russells Creek line-up. It was all too familiar for the pair, who have played 60 games together, 25 of those at Koroit and 35 at Yambuk.

Nick made the move to Russells Creek last season, playing in a premiership in his year at the club.

He has been elevated to the captaincy for 2018-19, while James is leading a youthful Koroit team.

It was Nick who had the last laugh on Saturday, with Russells Creek winning by 35 runs. Nick made six and took 1-20 while James finished 61 not out.  

James said being opposing captain to one of his sons was an enjoyable, if somewhat strange experience.

“It felt a bit weird, especially with Nick still living at home, we didn’t talk about cricket during the week,” James said.

“I wanted to win but I also wanted Nick to do well. I did watch closely how he was captaining, he set some good fields for me and I reckon I got the fields for him spot on, we know each other’s games pretty well.

“He bowled well, I was pretty determined not to get out to him. Because I am still playing myself I don’t get to see Nick play much so it was good to watch him.

“His cricket is constantly improving and I am very proud that he is leading his team in just his second year at the club.”

James’ other three sons, Patrick, Thomas and Matthew, were in action just across the way at Jack Keane Oval on Saturday, playing for the Koroit division two team against Dennington. The Dogs batted first, making 9-181, with Seamus Brady (3-36) the most successful of the Koroit bowlers.

Koroit was 0-10 at stumps and will resume the chase on Saturday.    

Talented Koroit junior Fletcher Cozens continues to prosper, having being announced captain of the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association Gold team for the under 15s country week.