LIKE father, like son.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The saying rings true for Whitebridge father-son duo Steve and Zach Mace, who have both been playing cricket since they were eight.
Now 45, Steve has more than 30 years of experience playing with Charlestown District Cricket Club's first-grade team.
The 10-time team captain retired last season to focus on his family of five, which includes spending quality time with 14-year-old Zach.
"In cricket season we go up to Kahibah Oval and throw a few balls," Zach said.
"I look up to Dad because he's taught me so much about cricket," he said.
The one-on-one time and advice has paid off for Zach, who, following in his father's footsteps, plays for Charlestown's under-14s District Cricket Association representative team.
The talented bowler has made the representative side for the past two years.
Last season Charlestown reached the semi-finals but due to a washed-out game, lost to Newcastle City by half a ran based on averages.
Zach was also selected to play in the 2013 Kookaburra Cup Country Cricket under-14s tournament, which the team won.
Based on his performance in the tournament, Zach was named in the honorary under-14s NSW Country Cricket Team.
For the second consecutive year, Zach was picked for the Hunter Academy of Sport's under-16s junior boys cricket talent development squad.
He trains with the squad once a week on top of club games on Saturdays and representative games on Sundays.
With all these achievements under his belt, Zach said he couldn't have done it without help from his dad.