BDCA 2023: Stirring tribute to Eaton Bobtails legend Jake Rudd — a man who lived life to the fullest

For the last time on Saturday afternoon, the image of Eaton Bobtails legend Jake Rudd graced his beloved crease at the Eaton Sports Ground. Rudd, 45, died seven days earlier in Australind following a fatal reaction to a bee sting and on Saturday his club paid tribute with a portrait of “Ruddy” placed against the stumps as players and supporters lined the pitch for a minute’s silence. Jake Rudd’s death has placed the spotlight on ambulance cover in regional areas. After he was stung and had an allergic reaction, there was a 19 minutes delay getting paramedics to Mr Rudd after his local Australiand ambulance was unavailable and one had to come from Bunbury. On Saturday Eaton club president Travis Johnson said the tragedy had brought of the best in the cricket community. “You don’t realise what sort of cricket community you’ve got until something like this happens,” he said. “It’s been a pretty rough week, but people have been reaching out. You may not get along with them on the field — but you then realise we’ve all got something in common — we love cricket.” Bobtails skipper Liam Renton outlined Rudd’s lasting impact on the senior squad. “We all know how far Ruddy could hit the ball,” he said. “But if you talk to any of the older guys around, they’ll tell you how much of a legend he was. “He was one of the best people at the club you could ever meet. It’s just so sad and our thoughts are with Tash (Rudd’s wife Natasha) and their two kids. “We will continue to support them.” These sentiments were echoed by Leschenault skipper Tyne Dodds. Throughout his career, the dynamic master-blaster played 243 games for the Bobtails, scoring a staggering 4784 runs. Rudd holds Eaton’s record for the highest individual score in a match, 147 runs, and also smashed five centuries and 19 half-centuries. Off the field, the 45-year-old held a multitude of volunteer-based roles during his career, ranging from vice-president to captain, and was a life member. Natasha Rudd was contacted for comment.