Matt Mason believes the presence of Brett D'Oliveira at New Road today helped to lift the spirits of the Worcestershire squad after the death of his father and Academy Director Damian D'Oliveira yesterday.
Assistant coach Mason admitted it was "a tough day for everyone" after Director of Cricket Steve Rhodes had broken the news of Damian's death to the players on the outfield shortly before the start of the LV= County Championship clash with Glamorgan.
The 53-year-old, who played for the county between 1982 and 1995, had lost his brave two and a half year battle against cancer.
Understandably there were plenty of tears on an emotional day, particularly for the seven Academy players in the side who had worked closely with D'Oliveira as part of their cricketing development.
But the arrival of D'Oliveira junior, a member of the Worcestershire Rapids NatWest T20 Blast side this season, at New Road helped to ease the sadness.
Mason said: "Yesterday was a tough day and very sad day for everyone concerned to get through.
"But young Brett was around us today which was fantastic for all the lads, to see him down here.
"It gave everyone a lift and the guys have been good today.
"They've been a lot happier and shared some stories about Dolly and everyone has been smiling which was nice.
"It was a nicer day."
