CRICKET rivalries were put aside on Saturday as players, officials and spectators at Lavington’s Urana Road Oval observed a minute’s silence to remember eight-year-old Tristan Mack.
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The Wodonga boy drowned at Lake Hume on Tuesday.
Two of his brothers, Trae and Cohen, play cricket for Wodonga Raiders.
In a short ceremony before the match between Wodonga Raiders and New City, the teams and umpires lined up on the field wearing black armbands.
Raiders committee member Ben Dove spoke briefly before all bowed their heads in silent tribute.
Tristan’s family stood together beside the pavilion as friends joined them to offer support.
Senior coach Richard Harvey said the club wanted to get behind the family during a difficult period.
“I thought it was a great gesture between the two clubs and the umpires before the day’s play,” he said.
“It’s obviously a tough time.
“I think the most important thing is that the club, friends and the community are behind the family at this sad time.
“I’m sure the support will continue as they come to terms with the loss of their beloved brother and son.”
The GoFundMe page online had raised $9249 by Sunday afternoon.
The original aim was to raise $6000.
Organiser Caitlin Keogh said the fundraiser aimed to reduce the stress that came with organising a funeral.
“I’m sure there are a lot of people think they wish there was something they could do to help the family,” she wrote on the page.
“Well, this is that ‘something’ that you can do.
“Any donation you can make would be greatly appreciated and would be a huge assistance for the Mack family.”
Individuals have made donations of up to $400, with many leaving heartfelt messages to those affected by the loss.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced at this stage.
The incident was the second fatal drowning in the region during summer.
A Malaysian man died mid-December while swimming in the Ovens River near Myrtleford.
There have also been recent near drownings in Albury, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Everton and Harrietville, with unconscious people resuscitated using CPR.
