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Born: 3 April 1918 Died:
19 May 2001 Aged: 83 years
To the memory of our most respected memberand one of
Australia's greatest amateur sporting administrators
Keith devoted his life to the Payneham Cricket Club -
playing and administrating for a total of 65 consecutive
years. His remarkable commitment to the club forged a
Iegend in suburban sport as a volunteer Secretary for 60
continuous years.
He also served on the PSA committee for over 20 years
and was also on the ACTA executive for 40 years, half as
Vice Chairman
Keith joined Payneham Cricket Club in 1935/36. A batsman
and leg spin bowler, he played 355 games - most of these
in the A grade which he captained for 14 years - until
his retirement in 1971. This is a club record. |
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His list of playing
achievements were: |
- Grade Premiership
Captain - Seasons 1940/41 1947/48
- Grade Batting
Aggregate - Seasons 1945/46 1950/51 1956/57
- Grade Bowling
Aggregate - Seasons 1953/54 1954/55
- ATCA State
Representative - Seasons 1957/58 1959/60
- Record highest A
grade Partnerships for 7th &10th wicket
- Carried his bat
through innings 54 not out in 1939/40
- A Grade Centurion
on 3 occasions
- Hat Tricks in A
Grade on 2 occasions
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In 1953 Keith was elected
as a Life Member of the PCC and was also a Life Member
of the ATCA.
In 1988 he was recognised and awarded with an OAM (Order
of Australia Medal) for his services.
In 2001 he was recognised by the SACA as "Volunteer of
the Year" at a large reception at Adelaide Oval.
Keith also played football at Payneham. In his 15
playing seasons he had stints as captain / Coach of both
the A & B Grade teams. He represented the state and
during the war played 2 seasons with Norwood / North
Adelaide.
But the Cricket Club was his passion. He prided himself
on his curating knowledge gained over many years
experience and loved nothing better than getting out on
the "Heavy Roller” - giving the final preparation to
Saturday's deck. So infamous were these feats throughout
the Adelaide Turf, the centre square at Payneham became
affectionately known as "Dukes Highway". In recognition
of this, the Practice area was named "The Keith and
Eileen Duke Net Enclosure".
The club is poorer for his passing but the legacy and
the legend of the man will ensure that the club
continues to strengthen and survive for many years to
come.
Sadly his wife Eileen, also a Life
Member of the club, passed away subsequently on 14 April
2008 at the age of 89. |
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