Eaglehawk and Sandhurst cricket clubs wrapped their collective arms around the West family in a moving tribute on Saturday.
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Anthony West showed great courage to return to the cricket field on Saturday - 13 days after his wife Jess and five-year-old son Deighton were tragically killed in a crash at Kingston.
Fittingly, the Hawks' opponent on Saturday was Sandhurst - the club West coached and played 87 first XI games for over seven seasons.
Family members and friends, the Hawks and Dragons players as well as supporters from both clubs, gathered before the game at Canterbury Park for a minute's silence to honour the memory of Jess and Deighton.
At the conclusion of the minute's silence, Anthony was embraced by team-mates and, in a heartfelt sign of support, every Sandhurst player shook the 37-year-old's hand.
Eaglehawk and Sandhurst players wore red and black armbands out of respect to Jess' passion for the Essendon Football Club.
Jess was just as big a part of both cricket clubs as Anthony. She was a key contributor off the field and her bubbly outlook on life was infectious and resonated through both clubs.
Deighton would spend each Saturday at the cricket in his Eaglehawk shirt, watching his Dad and enjoying time with his older brother Oakley and other Borough youngsters.
Eaglehawk fielded first and captain Matt Fitt even threw the ball to Anthony midway through the innings to give him a rare bowl. The spell lasted one over after he conceded seven runs.
Anthony showed few nerves when he strode to the crease at the fall of the first wicket. He made a brisk 29 off 26 balls to be his side's second top scorer.
Eaglehawk fell 54 runs short of Sandhurst's total of 204, but at the end of the day the result was secondary.
A funeral service for Jess and Deighton will be held at Bendigo's Ulumbarra Theatre on Wednesday, January 22 at 11am.
In memory of Jess and Deighton, the family has asked mourners to wear vibrant colours or dress as your favourite super hero.
Read more: Family honours Jess and Deighton West
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