In its hundred plus year history, our Club has had few greater contributors than Ron Plover. As a player, captain, administrator and fundraiser, Ron has been a leader of the Club’s development for more than 40 years.
As a player, Ron was Ballarat’s outstanding wicket-keeper and was at his best when up on the stumps. His determined, courageous and unselfish batting was another respected aspect of his game, especially when his team was in trouble. His playing strengths and personal attributes made him a natural leader and his captaincy generated a fierce team spirit which carried Mt Clear to a spate of premierships in the late sixties and early seventies.
Ron was also a significant leader off the field. He was a member of the committee from its creation till he stepped down at the end of the 1992-93 season. He was also the driving force in the club’s fundraising drive which ultimately resulted in the building of our Clubrooms.
Many years ago Ron was rewarded with a life membership, but his continued contribution was further honoured in season 1993-94 when the Ron Plover Shield was introduced as a perpetual trophy to be contested by the two south Ballarat clubs in the Ballarat Cricket Association, Mt Clear and Napoleons.
There is a long history of battles between the Mount Clear and Napoleons Cricket Clubs with records dating back to the early 19th century with many classic matches between the two proud clubs.