Jason Knowles
JASON Knowles had more than one reason to smile on Saturday night.
The Brown Hill captain was savouring a startling win over Mt Clear in Ballarat Cricket Association firsts.
Even more significantly, though, was that Knowles could give a glowing smile at all. This had not been the case mid-afternoon.
Knowles had his two front teeth smashed in a freak incident while on the field at the Western Oval.
He was fortunate to get urgent treatment after attending St John of God Hospital, having one tooth re-attached and the other replaced.
Knowles was left with a bloodied mouth after a celebration by teammate and Brown Hill pace bowler Matt McMahon went wrong.
The Bulls had had a great start to the day defending 7-241. McMahon was on fire, snaring the first four wickets with only 30 runs on the board.
Mt Clear opener Matt Clark was the only batsman showing any kind of resistance.
So when McMahon completed a diving catch off his own bowling to send Clark on his way for 32 there was even greater cause for jubilation.
Delighted with the play, Knowles ran at McMahon with the intention of giving a customary high-five.
Unaware where Knowles was, McMahon, still on the ground, threw the ball in the air – straight into Knowles’ mouth at close range.
Although blood began flowing, Knowles thought it was just a split lip.
He quickly discovered his two front teeth had been broken in half. The broken pieces of teeth were found, but only one was in good enough condition to be reattached.
Knowles expressed relief that he had been able to get immediate treatment.
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