Thanks to the support of the Duncan MacDonald Cricket Foundation, Myles Smith from Parkes was given a rare opportunity to play at a venue most amateur cricketers only dream about.
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He was one of 12 people selected to be part of an invitational team to play members of the NSW Cricket side at the Sydney Cricket Ground last month.
And it all came about from a simple online competition on Facebook organised by Cricket NSW and Transport NSW (PlanB Program).
"I had to write in 25 words or less why I am a good Plan B driver," the 25-year-old said.
"And I wrote 'I'm the skipper of the local fourth grade side and it's my job to pick up the boys from the pub on a Friday night'," he laughed.
The competition narrowed the entries down to 30, which saw Smith head to Sydney for a trial and net session at the SCG before the final 12 players were announced.
The Duncan MacDonald Cricket Foundation in Parkes kindly contributed a generous donation to cover the expenses of the trip so Smith could attend.
The A grade cricketer - who considers himself to be more of a batsman - has always enjoyed playing on good pitches and, with the SCG being right up there, he was very excited for the opportunity that took place on February 4.
"It was all a bit of fun...but it was a good experience," Smith said.
"There were some family and friends watching the game."
And the historic venue that is the SCG, that was another feeling in itself for Smith.
"I was imagining it packed," he laughed.
"It's a good pitch, good quality - compared to what I'm used to playing on."
Smith has been playing cricket since he was a child and loves everything about the sport - being in a team, the competition and the atmosphere.
"I love it a little too much," he said.
Smith wanted to thank the Duncan MacDonald Cricket Foundation for its support.
The foundation was established and named after the late Duncan MacDonald, who was a legendary cricketing figure in Parkes and across Western NSW.
He was the only person to be a life member of both the senior and junior associations and his contribution towards cricket in Parkes was outstanding.
Foundation trustee Michael Greenwood said Smith is a great ambassador for Parkes Cricket.
"The foundation looks forward to receiving more requests in the future which will continue to benefit and enhance cricket across the Parkes Shire," he said.
When MacDonald died at the age of 73 in 2008, after a life time of service to sport, particularly cricket, a foundation was established to assist local players, teams and officials after $20,000 was generated following a public appeal.
MacDonald voluntarily built the former Keast Park cricket nets. These nets were replaced by the new cricket nets at Woodward Oval in 2014 and were fittingly renamed in his honour.
While serving Parkes sports with distinction, MacDonald was a great mentor to many young people and an inspiring leader of men.
His legacy to Parkes Cricket remains today.
