There were jokes, laughter, gloomy moments and a poem called “You Ripper Roy” while Andrew Symonds said goodbye in style.
Family, friends, cricket teammates and fans gathered at Townsville Riverway Stadium for a private funeral.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting and his teammates Adam Gilchrist and Darren Lehmann entertained themselves, reciting old stories from their time as players and how “Roy” affected their lives on and off the field.
Poet Rupert McCall recalled the times he received phone calls from Symonds late at night, hoping to hear a couple of his favorite poems as he sat by the fire with his companions.
Camera Icon Andrew Symond’s wife, Laura, and their daughter Chloe and son Will. Credit: Ian Hitchcock / Getty Images
McCall did it every time, and he did it again with his latest ode to Symonds’ life, talking about the “white-lipped killer” and the “six-monster snapper” that silenced critics when he resurrect his testing career with a famous blow against South. Africa on Boxing Day.
“Once dominant bowling players approached in fear, he came and saw and saved his test career,” McCall recited.
“At the moment, we recognize a child’s dream and the day he fulfilled it. Ripper, Roy.
Camera IconTOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 27: A photograph of Andrew Symonds is seen before the Andrew Symonds Public Memorial Service at Riverway Stadium on May 27, 2022 in Townsville, Australia. Former Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds has died in a car accident on 14 May. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock / Getty Images) Credit: Ian Hitchcock / Getty Images
Earlier, Cricket Australia Director Greg Rowell began the process after an opening tribute video, celebrating Symonds’ commitment to the team, others and everyone before himself.
“He was a man for others, and he showed in mastery and breadth of skills that had little performance or dividend for his pursuit of his personal dreams,” Rowell said.
“He was the master of his mistakes, he put others before himself to see what needed to be done and done.
“To assess what was to be said and said.”
Ponting, Lehmann, and Gilchrist praised Symonds’ efforts around his state and national teammates, and his calm demeanor that set them apart even in the most tense environments.
IconTOWNSVILLE CAMERA, AUSTRALIA – MAY 27: Former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist speaks during the Andrew Symonds Public Memorial Service at Riverway Stadium on May 27, 2022 in Townsville, Australia. Former Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds has died in a car accident on 14 May. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock / Getty Images) Credit: Ian Hitchcock / Getty Images
It was this effort that Ponting said inspired him to return to Australia while suffering from gastroenteritis after his duties at the IPL.
“I had to get upstairs (before the service) … and then I just had those words ringing in my Roy’s head up there,” Ponting said.
“Get up, get up, get down there, you have a stomach ache, already,” Ponting said with a chuckle.
Camera icon Brian Lara (left). Credit: SCOTT RADFORD-CHISHOLM / AAPIMAGE
Lehman called him the best player he ever coached, while Gilchrist said what struck him most was how often old friends had talked about life off the field at Symonds, not to mention his successes in cricket.
“We’ve talked so much about him as a person that we forget to talk about the level of cricket he was,” Gilchrist said.
Symonds ’larrikin nature and true Australian character resonated with cricket fans across the country during his first-class 227-match career.
Camera Icon Andrew Symond’s wife, Laura, and their daughter Chloe and son Will. Credit: Ian Hitchcock / Getty Images
It was this personality that ensured that he was admired for his optimistic nature with the bat and arrow-like accuracy in the field for the state and the country.
With the sounds of Hey True Blue, the memorial service is over, but the memory of Andrew ‘Roy’ Symonds will last forever in the hearts of Australian cricket fans.
Camera icon Adam Gilchrist in service. Credit: SCOTT RADFORD-CHISHOLM / AAPIMAGE
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