Around 700 mourners gathered at the Furner Oval on Monday afternoon to honour the life of noted local sportsman and community identity Dale Bateman.


The fourth-generation farmer had passed away from a sudden heart attack on his family farm a fortnight earlier at the age of 65.


With his close affinity to Furner, the local cricket ground was chosen as the venue for his funeral.


The stumps and bails were in place at both ends of the wicket while his casket was placed mid-pitch.


It was topped with local native flowers and his cherished South Australian Veteran Cricket Association floppy hat.


The hour-long service was led by celebrant Jade Allison, of Wattle Range Funerals.


It included an eight-minute montage of dozens of pictures which was displayed on a super-sized television screen and accompanied by music.


Eulogies were prepared by the Bateman family and Furner Sports Club and Hatherleigh Football Club president Deon Chester.


They were read out aloud by Mr Bateman’s close friend Trevor Rayson.


Jase Bateman also paid a warm tribute to his father.


All tributes noted Mr Bateman was a loving husband, father and grandfather and was devoted to his family.


His success as a grazier and as a cricketer and footballer was also spoken about.


Among the mourners were Wattle Range Council Deputy Mayor and Millicent Footballers Cricket Club life member Peter Dunnicliff.


Like Mr Bateman, Cr Dunnicliff is a life member and past president of the Millicent and District Cricket Association.


There was a five-strong, blazer-wearing contingent from the Australian Veterans Cricket Association.


Mr Bateman made his debut for the national Over 60s team in 2023 when they toured the United Kingdom last year.


At the end of the service, the casket was taken to the hearse which then made a lap of honour of the Furner Oval while mourners applauded.


A private burial then took place at the Furner cemetery followed by a wake at the Hatherleigh Football Club.


Dale Bateman: 1959-2024