Tara Murray
When Scott Pittaway made his first XI debut for St Albans on Saturday, it was special for a number of reasons, none more than playing with his son Mitchell Pittaway.
The pair had played games here and there together in the past, but the match against Sydenham-Hillside was the first time they had played together in the top grade.
The Saints said on social media it had been a long time since they’d had a father-son duo play together in the top side.
Scott said it was pretty special.
“I’m very proud, especially playing in the first XI,” he said. “We’ve played together in the lower grades but being in the first XI means a lot for everyone.
“For that to happen, it was a really proud moment.”
Scott said that Mitchell was also pretty chuffed by the experience as well.
While for most, father-son duos, it’s about the son catching up to playing with the son, it was the other way round for the Pittaways.
Mitchell has been in the first XI all season, while Scott is the captain of the second XI.
Scott said the club had a vacancy this week and he happened to be the right person to fill the role.
“Mitchell has come through juniors and built his way up,” Scott said. “It was my first first XI game for the club.
“I played in the first XI for my other club in Western Australia and in the lower grades for St Albans..
“It’s a bit surreal.”
Scott said he thought his first XI days were behind. When he joined the Saints he played in the fourth XI to meet some new people and it meant he didn’t have to train,
“It is a bit strange being 44 and making my debut after not wanting to train,” he said.
The Saints game against Sydenham-Hillside will continue on Saturday.
After day one, the Saints were 3-60 in reply to 129.
Scott is already back in the sheds after making 12, while Mitchell is yet to bat.
“Hopefully we can make another 60-70 runs and cap it off,” he said. “It’s Pink Stumps day and hopefully there will be a lot of people watching.”
As for whether Scott will play more games alongside his son.
“I’m captain of the twos, it feels like my baby and I need to be there,” he said. “If I can perform I might stay in the first XI, we’ll wait and see.”
