Marcus and Jake Hainsworth have played against each other in the backyard.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
They have, in more recent times, even trained together nearby where they live in Merewether.
However, Saturday marks the first time the uncle and nephew have faced off in the Newcastle District Cricket Association competition.
And both Belmont captain Marcus and Stockton rookie Jake, who have 17 years between them, will don the gloves as wicketkeepers for their respective teams.
"We've had the tussles in the backyard at Christmas lunches and it's always been competitive so I don't think it's going to be any different on Saturday," Marcus, 34, said.
"You sort of set aside the family for a few hours and we've both got massive jobs to do. We're both keepers so we've got to try and put our teams in the best position to win.
"They'll be some friendly banter no doubt."
Jake, 17, who joined the Seagulls from City this season has followed a familiar path to his relative having changed clubs at a similar age in search of an opportunity behind the stumps.
"I can't wait for the weekend," Jake said.
"It's something that has come so fast. It wasn't that long ago I was playing backyard cricket and Marcus was older playing in Sydney or wherever.
"I didn't really think I'd get to verse him so I'm looking forward to it."
The connection between the pair is Cameron Hainsworth, older brother of Marcus and father of Jake.
Cameron has won lower grade titles with both - thirds at Merewether with Marcus in 2002-03 and fourths at City with Jake in 2018-19.
Adding to the upcoming two-day contest at Cahill Oval, the fact that both clubs find themselves inside the top four following results last start.
Belmont secured an outright victory and jumped up the ladder to second while Stockton are now sitting in fourth position. Belmont have 27 points, four ahead of Stockton.
Elswhere in round seven Wests are missing four regulars on representative duty at the NSW Country Championships with Josh Emerton standing in as skipper for James King against one of his former clubs. The undefeated Rosellas, also without Aaron Wivell, Brad Aldous and Aaron Bills this Saturday, visit the Sea Dragons at University Oval.
Merewether recruit Sam O'Sullivan will be up against his old teammates for the first time when the Lions travel to Learmonth Park and meet City while both Jeremy Smith and Nathan Connors are on debut.
Rahul Bakshi remains sidelined with an elbow injury for Cardiff-Boolaroo, who host Hamilton-Wickham at Pasterfield Sports Complex.
Declan Owens is set to play his 50th game for Waratah-Mayfield when they take on Charlestown at Kahibah Oval.
Wallsend are now minus NDCA player of the year Jacob Montgomery (forearm) against Toronto at Ron Hill Oval.
For faster access to the latest Newcastle news download our NEWCASTLE HERALD APP and sign up for breaking news, sport and what's on sent directly to your email
IN THE NEWS: