The tight-knit Furner farming community is mourning the recent passing of noted local sportsman and grazier Dale Bateman.


The fourth-generation farmer died on August 5 at the age of 65.


His funeral will be held on Monday (August 19) at 1pm on the cricket oval at the Furner Sports Club.


Mr Bateman was generally regarded as one of the finest cricketers of his generation from the Millicent district and was selected in the Veterans Cricket Australia over 60s touring party for the United Kingdom in July and August of last year.


His great talent as a top-order batsman and spin bowler was seen when he boarded as a teenager at St Peter’s College in suburban Adelaide.


After leaving college, he played A Grade district cricket with Kensington in the capital city.


By his 20s, Mr Bateman’s focus switched to the Furner family farm and he married Trish Clapham, raising a family of son Jase and daughter Tara.


Mr Bateman played with distinction when Kongorong fielded a team in the Barber Shield in the Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association and topped the batting.


Throughout this period, he regularly appeared in representative fixtures and played for the SA Country team in the annual national championships.


During the winter months, Mr Bateman played with Hatherleigh in the Mid South East Football League.


He captained the club for one season and was Senior Colts coach in 1987 and 1988.


In more recent times, he was the A Grade timekeeper for the Eagles.


As he entered his 40s, Mr Bateman returned to his roots with Furner in the Millicent and District Cricket Association and he was still winning batting trophies well into his 50s.


His dedication to the MDCA was seen by his willingness to serve as its president for several seasons.


Mr Bateman’s late father Max and son Jase have also served Furner and the MDCA well as players and administrators.