South Tamworth opener Mitch Smith buzzing after birth of his daughter

The Tamworth High maths teacher had the safest hands at Longfield Park at Ouirindi on Saturday, where his Souths side comfortably beat Old Boys in a one-dayer.

For in his hands was his infant daughter and first child, Eadie, whom he is raising with his partner, Kate Coburn.

Fatherhood agrees with Smith.

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Having Eadie in his life was "beautiful", he said, adding that every day he learns new things about her.

"In some degrees, yes, it's something I've always wanted to be," he said of fatherhood. "So it is special for it to happen."

The birth of Eadie - who is almost four months old - has further solidified Smith's bond to Tamworth, after he arrived there from Terrigal.

"I think the club has forever made me feel that way, for a start," he said of Tamworth feeling like home for him. "And then school gets you that way as well."

"And then there is this nice little extra as well in that regard," he added, in reference to his daughter.

Smith said juggling parenthood with work and sport was "sometimes a stretch".

But standing under a tree at No 2 Oval, while nursing Eadie after making a 37-ball 22 opening the innings on Saturday, seemingly all was right with the world for this unassuming man.

"Big time," he replied, in reference to his life being wonderful.

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