THE SMALL communities of the Nambucca Valley are renowned for their stoicism, and their ability to stare down and overpower adversity - but the noise of a falling pin would reverberate like a clatter as the townsfolk shoulder the news of the death of favourite son Phillip Hughes.
It was the development that the locals had been dreading so much that in the hours since the sickening accident at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday it was never contemplated, let alone spoken.
As phone calls, text messages and emails spread the word - a leaden invisible yet palpable cone descended on the valley.
Offices and shops went quiet, and those few going about their business on the main thoroughfares of Wallace St in Macksville and Bowra in Nambucca Heads did so with head and eyes downcast.
While Phillip was a hero of the Valley - it was less for his ability with a bat and 26 Tests for his country than it was for standing as a man.
A country boy to a tee, Phillip was uncluttered by the airs and graces of similarly talented sports stars. He would have a beer with the locals as easily as he would put his hand up to teach the game to the district's junior cricketers.
The Nambucca Valley will in time digest the tragic news of Phillip's passing, and ensure his legacy is a lasting one. But not yet - for now the time is for grief.
Vale Phillip Hughes.
Christian Knight, Guardian News editor, Nambucca
