Payneham Dukes
Cricket Club

Keith
Duke

Born: 3 April 1918 Died: 19 May 2001 Aged: 83 years

To the memory of our most respected member and 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.

Playing achievements

• 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

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.