ONE of Little River Cricket Club’s living legends will achieve a rare milestone this weekend.
Doug Fairchild, a Legend in the Redbacks’ Hall of Fame, will celebrate his 500th match in Saturday’s OD4 clash against Bell Park.
To mark the occasion, the Dragons have graciously agreed to switch the Round 17 fixture to Little River Reserve, allowing Fairchild to play one of the most significant games in his career at his home ground and in front of his family, friends and teammates.
Born and bred in Little River, Fairchild made his senior debut for the Redbacks as a 15-year-old back in 1983.
Since his maiden appearance, the 57-year-old has notched six centuries, 39 fifties and is closing in on the magical 10,000 run mark in a career spanning more than four decades.
The club’s all-time leading run scorer, Fairchild boasts a high score of 137 not out and a career batting average of 21.13.
Nine times he has surpassed the 300-run barrier in a season and has remained unbeaten at the crease more than fifty times.
Known for grafting runs as a reliable top-order batsman, Fairchild has also snared 207 wickets with his slow, left-arm bowling.
Arguably his greatest legacy is the generational contribution of the Fairchild name at the 165-year-old country club.
The Fairchild bloodlines run deep at Little River, with Doug’s sons Nic and Dylan, and daughter Jordyn all current players at the Redbacks, while grandchildren Coast and Bloom feature in the club’s Junior Blasters program.
Not to mention daughter in-laws Tayla and Jorja Fairchild, who are members of the women’s team, and son in-law Lochy, who is captain of the men’s second XI.
“It was only a couple of years ago that l thought that 500 games was possible and now it’s finally within my reach,” Fairchild said ahead of his milestone appearance.
“I’ve dragged my aching body for the last part of this journey & will embrace reaching the ‘almost’ finish line.
“The friendships that l’ve made and the stories that l get to tell will be what l’ve cherished over my time at the Little River Cricket Club.”
Fairchild has celebrated five senior premierships, including the memorable 2002-03 first XI flag, and was co-coach of a winning under-17 grand final.
His first premiership came as a member of the under-16 team in 1983-84.
Fairchild’s long-list of achievements are not just limited to the cricket field.
The dedicated Redback is a life member, Hall of Famer and Club Legend – both awards bestowed on him at Little River’s 150th Anniversary celebrations – and featured in the Team of the Decade for 1990-1999.
Fairchild served on the club’s committee for 15 years, taking the post as president (two seasons), vice-president (two seasons), and junior co-ordinator (six seasons).
He has been Little River’s historian for the past four seasons and won the best clubman award twice.
