mmg.com.au

Like a well-rehearsed cover drive, Kerry Forge has timed her departure from Karramomus Cricket Club to perfection.

The selfless volunteer is about to embark on a move interstate, but received one final accolade before departing.

On Friday, Forge was one of 20 volunteers acknowledged for their contribution to grassroots cricket by Cricket Victoria.

‘‘I was really quite tickled about it,’’ Forge said.

‘‘I don’t do anything special really, but it is nice to have that acknowledgement.’’

The Sport Volunteer Recognition Program invites clubs and associations from across Victoria to nominate their highly valued volunteers, with recipients treated to an awards breakfast and a day at the second Test between Australia and Sri Lanka at the MCG.

However, the day did not quite go to plan for Forge, who was unwell and unable to attend.

Her husband Brendan went and received the award on her behalf, but a printing error denied them a souvenir.

‘‘They produced a booklet with what everybody had done, but the printer left a page out, so four of us weren’t written up about,’’ Forge said.

‘‘They gave me a trophy which was nice and I’ve spoken to the lady who organised it and I’m getting her to email me a copy of what was written.’’

Forge is Karramomus through and through.

Along with her brother, Bloods captain and six-time Lightfoot medallist Chris Keady, Forge grew up in the area and can remember when matches were played there.

Her mum, Tod Keady, used to score for the club, and her two sons, Daniel and Luke, are part of the Bloods’ Haisman Shield squad this season.

In 14 years before this season, Forge had not missed a game, but a wedding in Broome in October brought her streak to an end.

Forge has never held an official position at Karramomus, but has left an indelible mark on the club.

As a nurse, part of her role is treating players hurt out on the field, while she otherwise likes to ‘‘just potter around’’, occassionally scoring and often working behind the bar and in the kitchen.

Perhaps her greatest honour was being named club person of the year in 2008-09.

‘‘I’m the only girl on the clubman of the year honour board at Karramomus,’’ she said.

‘‘I used to be on the social committee and now I help Daniel organise that and I try to help any new girls get to know each other.

‘‘These days it is a bit of a challenge to field teams every week, so if the girls like coming to the club it means the guys can play.’’

Karramomus president Paul Trevaskis was unaware of Forge’s recognition, but said it was richly deserved and her presence at the club would be missed.

‘‘While we’re playing she’s organising the afternoon tea and when we come off she’s either behind the bar or doing odd jobs around the place,’’ Trevaskis said.

‘‘It’s going to be a big gap to fill.’’