BIO

Kenneth George (Chooka) Horsnell was a gifted sportsman whose football ambitions were frustrated by circumstances but who achieved high success as a cricketer. Born at Joslin on 3rd September 1933 of pioneer stock (an ancestor, John Horsnell, planted the Grange Vineyard for Dr Christopher Penfold in 1844), Ken played at half-forward with the likes of Bob Fosdike and Peter Aish in the Norwood Colts in 1951 and was chosen in the State Colts team which played Mid-Murray at Ramco. 

Navy National Service then intervened, though he did represent the Navy against the RAAF in a "Nashos" match at the MCG. He was also goalkeeper for the Navy team which beat the NZ Navy 1-0 at soccer in Auckland.  
Back at Norwood, he kicked eight goals in a trial match and made the senior list in 1952, but was laid low by pneumonia before playing a game. Ken returned to football with Payneham in the amateur league and managed two games with Norwood in 1956 before retiring. 

As a fast-medium left-arm swing bowler, he represented East Torrens, Kensington and South Australia.  In a first-class career from 1953 to 1961 - interrupted by a crippling back injury suffered in a motor accident - he took 44 wickets at an average of 31.72, with a best performance of 6/80.

Ken was 90 when he died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, on 1 October 2023, survived by his widow Janine and children Peter, Mark and Kelly.

P Robins Sept 2014, Oct 2023