David Falkenmire is an icon of sports journalism. Unable to secure a job in Sydney after completing a newspaper cadetship in his home town of Tamworth, he moved to Brisbane late in 1971 as The Australian's general sport reporter and in a career spanning nearly 50 years also worked for The Courier Mail, Telegraph, Sunday Sun and The Daily Sun.
As with many who grew up in the country, Dave had a keen interest and knowledge of many sports but cricket was his passion. His father Ken was a prominent NSW country cricketer and legend of game in Tamworth founding a cricket academy that bears his name and has honed the talents of many fine players including Josh Hazelwood.
A wicketkeeper, Dave played first grade in Sydney and Brisbane and was good enough to represent NSW Colts from the country on 3 occasions and QLD Colts once after moving to Brisbane. First class cricket eluded him however as his path was blocked by Test 'keepers Brian Taber in NSW and John Maclean in QLD.
Unfortunately his playing career was curtailed by work commitments but after almost 20 years covering Queensland's heartbreaking pursuit of The Sheffield Shield he was finally able to celebrate the state's success editing at Last. The Quest for The Shield 1926-1995.
Back: Robert Thomas, David Hourn, Ron Crippin, Peter Maloney, Graham Windley, Col Price, David Falkenmire
Front: Bill King, Tom Wood, Dave Colley, Kerry Mackay, Len Durtanavich
"I was a late replacement and was unloading a sheep truck at Tamworth saleyards when tracked down and told to get to Brisbane in a hurry. Dave Colley was the captain and opened the bowling with Len Durtanavich - I was pleased that I was keeping to them rather than facing them"
Editor’s Note – Len Durtanavich was soon to be known as Len Pascoe
About Dean Tuckwell
Former premiership first grade player with Western Suburbs in Queensland Premier Cricket Dean opened The Adventure Traveller in 2000.
In this crazy year it is important to support small business. With 30 years’ experience in the travel industry Dean has preferred arrangements with many suppliers, access to online deals not available to the public and a wealth of knowledge to ensure you get the most out of your trip so even if you only require a flight or accommodation, give him a call on 1800 181 020 or visit The Adventure Traveller
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