By LIAM TWOMEY
THERE is no other way to describe it, Morris McDonald was a legend of the Altona North Cricket Club. After joining the club in 1947, McDonald remained at Altona North as a player and then an official for the next 63 years.
He played a staggering 277 games, was a member of two premiership winning teams and started the club’s first junior and ladies sides.
At the age of 91, McDonald recently passed away.
To ensure he always remains a part of Altona North, the club re-named its ground the Morris G. McDonald Oval.
Club president Greg Frydas said McDonald was a hero of the club.
“Our number one oval has been renamed the Morris G. McDonald Oval,” he said.
“We had a naming ceremony and his ashes got scattered on the ground on that same morning.
“Morris was actually handed the keys when Crofts Reserve was established and was involved in the club for well over 50 years.
“He is an icon of the club, having spent 25 years as president and he really put his heart and soul into it.
“It is great for the ground to be named after him.”
Coming off a grand final in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s North Division last season, it has been an up and down start to 2013/14 for Altona North.
The club’s first XI lost its opening two games but hit back with an outright victory in round three.
After some player turnover in the off-season Frydas said a finals berth was still the aim.
“The main objective was to make sure we were competitive. Looking at the side we have got, looking at the way they play and their ability at training and so forth, I think we can genuinely push for a finals spot.”
The weekend also marked a milestone for Frydas who brought up his 200th match for Altona North.
“I would have loved to have been a one club player but circumstances didn’t work out that way,” Frydas said.
“To come back and to be still able to play 200 games at the club I grew up at and the club I played my juniors at is a great feeling.
“It is a great honour to play 200 games for this club.”
