Vale Ken Dowling PSM - Legend of McKinnon Cricket Club

On behalf of all at McKinnon Cricket Club I am deeply saddened to share the passing of our esteemed former club champion and legend Ken Dowling.

Ken passed away peacefully on Thursday evening aged 94 after a short illness.

Ken was an extraordinary figure in the history of McKinnon Cricket Club, a champion cricketer, visionary administrator and a proud clubman whose impact spans more than 60 years of dedicated service 

A crafty left arm medium swing bowler and a very productive middle to lower order right hand batsman Ken was the ultimate bowling allrounder.

Ken won a number of 1st & 2nd eleven Bowling awards in his magnificent playing career. He was not only a champion cricketer but also a driving force off the field as a visionary administrator serving the club as Club Secretary and then President throughout the 1960's and playing a pivotal role in building the foundations of the club we know today.

Elected Secretary from 1962 for two seasons Ken was duly elected Club President and served three seasons as President from 1964/65 

In his first year as President, Ken oversaw a period of exceptional growth, guiding the club’s expansion from six to eight teams. Fittingly, that same season delivered extraordinary on-field success, with both the First XI and Second XI winning premierships under the structure and stability he helped build.

Other notable achievements during his time leading the Club was in 1966 securing an agreement with the City of Moorabbin (paid $600) to have installed a turf wicket table on the No.2 ground at the McKinnon Reserve. As a result by 1971 the club had another turf wicket on Oval 2 to compliment the main oval  

Ken had the vision and the drive for the Club to host a charity cricket day at McKinnon. The match held in February 1966 was a "Single Wicket Day" a genius forerunner to today's T20 matches. 

$200 was raised for the Red Cross Appeal with many First Class cricketers and VFL footballers playing, including Jack Potter, Ray Jordan , Max Papley and Daryl Baldock. 

Ken was duly awarded life membership in the same year 1966 .

Ken's impressive cricket achievements at McKinnon include:

1961-62 - Won 1st XI Bowling Average 

1964-65 - Player in 2nd XI Premiership Side - 1st XI- 16 wickets @ 13.3 / 2nd XI- 22 wickets @ 10.6.

1965-66 – 2nd XI- 35 wickets @ 11.1.

1966-67 – 1st XI- 15 wickets @ 12.6 / 280 runs @ 23.3 

1968-69 – 1st XI Captain - Won 1st XI Bowling Average - 30 wickets @ 11.0 (Best 8-49).

1969-70 - Won 1st XI Bowling Average taking a staggering 56 wickets @ 9.0.

1970-71 - Won 1st XI Bowling Average - 31 wickets @ 11.2.

1971-72 - 1st XI - 32 wickets @ 13.7.

1972-73 - Won 1st XI Bowling Average - 39 wickets @ 9.35.

1973-74 - Won 1st XI Bowling Average - 23 wickets @ 13.65.

1974-75 - Won 2nd XI Bowling Average - 20 wickets @ 7.4.

Throughout the 1970's Ken continued to serve on General Committee, providing wisdom and guidance to future leaders of the Club 

For many years Ken was Chairperson and member of McKinnon Reserve Committee an important group that oversees the administration of both the Cricket and Football Clubs at McKinnon reserve.  

Of course two of Ken's three beloved son's, Russell and Ian also played their junior and senior cricket with great distinction at McKinnon. 

Russell has continued his father's legacy of outstanding service to our great Club for over 50 years and he currently serves as our long time Chairman of the McKinnon Fundraising Group and continues to drive and gather important funds for our Clubs coffers.   

In later years Ken had the foresight and vision to establish the McKinnon Past Players Association that aims to bring all past players together in a social setting to help support the Club .

Ken was the inaugural President of the Past Players and it is an honour for me to follow in his giant footsteps as the current Past Players President. 

As I reflect, it was an honour and privilege for myself and my young mates growing up in the cricket world to receive Ken's amazing on field guidance as we were trying to navigate the best way to play senior cricket at McKinnon.

A leader, a mentor and a true clubman, Ken’s commitment and dedication to our club that he loved was unmatched.

He played a pivotal role in helping lay the foundations for the strong, community-driven club we enjoy today

From all at McKinnon we extend our heartfelt condolences to Russell, Michael, and Ian and to their families and friends of Ken.

In season 2002- 03 Ken was honoured as one of the inaugural ‘Legends’, a fitting recognition and tribute for a "Giant" of the McKinnon Cricket Club 

Respected by all ... Rest in peace Ken..... Indeed a great innings 

Thank you for a lifetime of magnificent dedicated service to McKinnon Cricket Club.

Adrian Keane

McKinnon Cricket Club

Past Players President 

Funeral arrangements will be shared when available.