Congratulations to the 7 NMCA legends who were presented with awards by Cricket Victoria at the Boxing Day Test for their outstanding service to Community Cricket.
Left to right: Jon Hyde, Alan Smith, Bill McFarlane, Lenore Smith, Vicki Swallow, lan Giddons and Warren Maher
lan Giddons: 53 Years Service
lan’s dedication and continuous involvement in Keon Park’s junior and blaster programs has been invaluable. The Keon Park cricket club has named their club medal after lan for the long service and passion he shows for the sport. lan is both a life member of the club and North Metro Cricket Association.
Lenore Smith: 25 Years Service
Lenore has never shied away from challenging the status quo in cricket for the betterment of those she serves. Lenore created the NMCA Women’s Competition and Assisted Cricket Southern Bayside in creating and implementing their women’s comp. Lenore is the 33rd Life Member of North Metro Cricket Association (3rd female in 100 years).
She has also been involved with Cameron CC and Rivergum CC.
Vicki Swallow: 30 Years Service
Vicki is an essential figure at Keon Park Cricket Club, where she began as a scorer in her first year and was known for her neat books. She later served as the club’s president for several years, mentoring those who followed her path. When the club initiated a women’s team, Vicki eagerly stepped in as a fill-in and eventually became a full-time member. She remains an active council-club liaison. Additionally, Vicki contributed many years as an ordinary member on the North Metro Cricket Association’s board.
Jon Hyde: 53 Years Service
Last year John was awarded a lifetime achievement award for services to sport from the City of Darebin. Initially his service started with Holy Trinity where he pioneered their junior programs and has had trophies named after him as well as to North Metro where he again started an under 10’s program and has a shield named after him as well. In recent years Jon has managed North Metro Women’s winning squads and arranged high level training from senior players from Preston CC.
Warren Maher: 53 Years Service
Warren is as courteous and as kind as you’ll find around cricket dedicating service to Cameron CC and St Brigid/St Louis CC. He is a life member of Cameron CC filling roles of Vice President, committee member and scorer. As a player, he has scored over 10,000 runs and captain the clubs 1992/93 1st A-Grade premiership.
Alan Smith: 53 Years Service
Alan is a legend of the Cameron Cricket Club. He began playing juniors in 1970 and has been a one club man ever since. He is the games record holder accumulating a whopping 571 games and in that time has amassed over 9000 runs and 400 wickets.
He has held many roles at the club including captain, coach, executive committee member, scorer, the list goes on. Alan is a Cameron Cricket Club & North Metro Cricket Association life member.
Bill McFarlane: 72 Years Service
A true northern legend, was not only the founding captain of Keon park but also earned his well-deserved spot in the NMCA Hall of Fame last year. He led KPCC’s 1st XI for an impressive 19 seasons, boasting an impressive 352 games. His commitment to the club extended to a
19-year committee membership, including six years as treasurer. Bill continues to attend junior and women’s games, lending unwavering support to the cherished club he holds dear, with numerous club and competition awards bearing his illustrious name.
