NMCA Jika Shield: Keon Park not keen on relegation reprieve

Keon Park will not compete in Jika Shield next summer after Bundoora Park’s exit from the North Metro Cricket Association, with the competition yet to fill the vacancy.

Keon Park celebrates a wicket in the NMCA last season. Picture: Hamish Blair

Keon Park has forfeited the chance for a relegation reprieve after Bundoora Park’s exit from the North Metro Cricket Association.

The Reservoir-based Parkers finished in bottom position with three wins in Jika Shield in 2018-19.

But Bundoora Park’s decision to move to the Diamond Valley association opened the door for Keon Park to retain its spot in the top grade.

The club admitted last year it faced an uncertain future after losing about 30 players over four seasons and has decided to rebuild in the second tier.

“Keon Park have indicated they’d like to go down a grade,” NMCA general manager Neil Riley said.

“They’ve been struggling for a few seasons and indicated they’d rather go back and rebuild, which is a bit of a shame because they’ve been in A Grade now for, I think, a good part of 50 years,

“But, like a lot of clubs, at some point the big brick wall comes along and stands in front of you and you can’t do much about it.”

Cobras, last season’s Quick Shield premier, have earned automatic promotion to Jika Shield, while other clubs have expressed interest in filling the vacancy.

Riley said clubs with strong depth and good facilities would be judged favourably.

He ruled out having seven teams — and a bye — in Jika Shield.

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“We’ll always make sure our three Shield grades have eight in it,” Riley said.

Rosebank, Rivergum and Holy Trinity are expected to again be the leading contenders.

Bundoora Park finished fourth in Jika Shield last season after claiming the Quick Shield flag the previous summer.

“They’ve moved on after one season in A Grade, so we’re not sure what impact that’s going to have,” Riley said.

“Clubs who have come up from the Quick level into A Grade, like Heidelberg West and Preston Baseballers, have had an immediate impact, much the same as Bundoora Park.

“Then the next season they settle down into the pack.”