Though he was born and raised in Sydney, Jugiong Public School has always been proud of the legendary cricketer and commentator.

Richie called the small town home during his formative years as his father Louis “Lou” Benaud was appointed principal in May 1932.

The Jugiong Public School centenary book, produced in 1983 by the school P and C, local families and edited by then-principal Dave Aldridge, contains several comments from the late Lou.

“I found the pupils to be a lovely lot of children, well behaved, keen to learn and willing to work hard to improve their standards.

“In addition to having a happy team of pupils there was a fine P and C Association, efficient and willing to support any reasonable requests by the teacher.”

Sister Dominica (Linda Sheahan), former Jugiong lady and Mercy Hospital matron, frequently recounted that it was she who bowled underarm and overarm balls to young Richie during recess break.

The family stayed for five years, with Lou receiving an appointment to Burnside Public School, Parramatta, in August 1937.

“It was with a certain amount of sadness and regret that I parted from my many good friends at Jugiong,” he said.

Richie’s connection to the area did not end there though, as the talented teenage cricketer found himself twice in Cootamundra as part of the late 1940s NSW Colts side.

Former Cootamundra resident Ian Loiterton recalls that his late father Clinton was a member of the Southern Tablelands side who played the Colts at Fisher Park on November 9, 1947, and again on March 29, 1948.

In the first match Clinton made 39 runs and was caught Brooks, bowled Benaud.

Incredibly, at 17 years old Clinton was also a member of the Cootamundra Ex Students side that on February 14, 1937, faced a Jugiong side including Lou Benaud.

“My father therefore has the distinction of having played against Richie Benaud as well as his father Lou Benaud, and having been dismissed by the former,” Ian said.