NMCA 2018-19: Keon Park puts call out for more players to bolster senior and junior stocks
A POWERHOUSE of the North Metro Cricket Association only six years ago, Keon Park is facing an uncertain future as it battles a player shortage.
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A POWERHOUSE of the North Metro Cricket Association only six years ago, Keon Park is facing an uncertain future as it battles a player shortage.
The Parkers have pledged to enter two senior teams this summer, including one in Jika Shield, but estimate they have lost about 30 players in the past four years.
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President Shane Baker said the club had lost about eight players per off-season during that period, due largely to “lack of interest”.
“If you rewind the clock, going back about six years ago, we had five senior sides and probably three junior sides,” Baker said.
Keon Park won three premierships between 2008-2012, but the NMCA flag has been shared between fierce rivals North Brunswick-Rosebank and Rivergum since.
Founded in 1951-52, the club is based at Reservoir’s JC Donath Reserve.
The Parkers finished sixth in Jika Shield last summer.
Baker confirmed the club’s First XI would play in the NMCA top grade again in 2018-19 under captain-coach Ryan Docherty.
“The club has been around since 1951-52 and it has always had great numbers around the club and good support,” Baker said.
“We have still got good outside support, it’s just the playing numbers.
“Over the last four years, we keep losing about eight blokes a year that aren’t interested in playing anymore.
“It’s not like we have a mass exodus where eight blokes are going to different clubs every year.”
Baker said a generational shift in Reservoir and nearby suburbs had left the club “battling along to find numbers”.
Lalor Warriors, based about 5km from Keon Park, has withdrawn from Jika Shield due to a shortage of players.
Keon Park has won 19 First XI premierships, claiming 14 of the 22 flags on offer between 1962 and 1983 as it established a reputation as one of the strongest clubs in the northern suburbs.
Baker said the club had planned a pamphlet drop in the local area and would run a social media campaign to encourage more players to sign on.
Contact Shane on 0417 670 206 or email nmca.keonpark@gmail.com
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