Kidman honoured after years of dedication

George Kidman Dsc 1566  TBW Newsgroup
TOP HONOUR: After a stellar career with Penola Cricket Club, George Kidman was rewarded with life membership of the club.

George Kidman Dsc 1566 TBW Newsgroup
TOP HONOUR: After a stellar career with Penola Cricket Club, George Kidman was rewarded with life membership of the club.

ONE of the Penola Cricket Club’s favourite sons was recognised with the highest honour during a unique end of season presentation ceremony on Sunday.

The toast of the event was decorated all-rounder George Kidman, who was awarded with life membership.

The accolade shocked Kidman as the event was held on his own farm with around 70 people in attendance.

The right-handed batsman and left-arm finger spinner said he did not expect to receive the prestigious award, but is extremely proud.

“It was a big surprise and I am really honoured,” Kidman said.

“A few of the boys from the club had organised a few things behind my back and then it all clicked when I realised a lot of friends, former players and my parents were there.

“It was such a nice touch.”

To mark the special occasion former club life members Nick Zema, Tony O’Connell and Gavin Hogg were in attendance and Kidman certainly deserves to join the list.

He began his cricket journey at McCorquindale Park as a junior before moving to Adelaide.

Kidman returned home in 2006-07 to captain the A Grade team and has not missed a season since.

During the last 14 years, he has made a noticeable impact on and off the field despite giving up the captaincy six summers ago.

Kidman led from the front with his all-round feats on the pitch, which is where he remained during the week spending countless hours to prepare the playing surface at McCorquindale Park.

Penola president Matt Honner described the cricketer as “the most deserving person ever to receive the award” while Brad Maney and Michael Silvy led the presentation.

The title caps off a special recent past for Kidman, who has won a Barber Shield and a fifth Whitty Medal in the space of two seasons.

He said he was taken aback by what everyone had to say.

“Brad Maney made a terrific speech and it was very humbling,” Kidman said.

“He got Michael Silvy – who I played a lot of cricket against and with – to write down some things.

“To have some nice words written by one of your peers and a great player like Michael was just really nice and thoughtful.”

The event took place to congratulate the club’s 2019-20 award winners after the initial presentations were shut down by COVID-19.

One of the activities on offer was a firewood raffle and $3000 was raised for the club.

Kidman said it was great to see everyone again after a challenging period.

“It was great to get the club back together again,” he said.

“I think everyone was just so excited to have a good gathering.

“It was a great environment with no wind, so we were able to stay outside with lots of kids running around.”

Although his playing days as a full-time cricketer are over, Kidman still has a lot to give to the Penola cricket community.

He said he hopes to improve the club’s diversity across all ages.

“Where I would like to work hard in the next few years is making sure the cricket club continues to strive to be really inclusive,” Kidman said.

“We just want to think outside the square and be inclusive to anyone who wants a game of cricket.

“Regardless of ability, size or whatever we just want everyone to feel welcome.”

Kidman also has plans to grow the team’s junior numbers and hopes to see an all-girls Eagles team grace the field one day.

“We would love to up our junior numbers and get two teams with a mix of boys and girls,” he said.

“Hopefully we can have a girls team one day.”

With many things still left to achieve, Kidman said he will never forget the accolade and will continue to be a familiar face around McCorquindale Park.

“I am honoured to be a life member, but you do not do it for that,” he said.

“It takes more than one person to run a club and there has been numerous people other than me who have done a lot over the last 15 years as well.

“It has been a great team effort, but there is still so much more to do and hopefully I am around for a long time supporting the club where I am needed.”