Grange Member Jill Kennare achieved what not many have done before and that was being inducted as an MCC Honorary Life Member at Lords in England last week. Jill, a right-handed batswoman, made her debut for Australia against New Zealand in 1979 and played 12 Test matches up to her last, against England in 1985. She captained the Australian national women’s cricket team on four occasions and in late January 1985, Kennare hit the winning run in the third and final match of the 1984-1985 Women’s Ashes, which was Australia’s first series win against England since 1949. To mark Jill’s magnificent achievement we thought many would love to hear her story.
What city were you born in? Describe your childhood home and where it was?
I was born at Glenelg Community Hospital on 16th August, 1956 and lived most of my childhood at Brighton near the beach and jetty. I was one of five children and spent many hours in the street and on the beach playing with the neighbours. There were three families nearby, so there was always someone to play cricket, football, yoyos, hula-hoops, hopscotch, skipping or some other game with or go fishing or swimming off the jetty. Mum said I was running at 9 months and I have been very active ever since!
Where did you go to elementary school? Middle school? High school? College?
My family lived in Wewak, New Guinea for two years as my father was a dentist who was assisting in dental training there; so that is where I started school. On our return to Australia, I attended the local Catholic school at St Teresa’s Convent and then travelled via the old “Red Hen” train into town to Saint Aloysius College. I studied Physical Education and Biology at Adelaide Teachers College; several Grange members were also students at the same time.
What age did you start playing cricket?
I started playing cricket aged 20 when we formed a team at Teachers College. One of my fellow students had played cricket and decided to form a team as there was plenty of talent in the Physical Education cohort. Before that the only opportunity was backyard cricket. We entered the top grade and were quite successful.
What is your most memorable moment from your cricket career?
Team-wise, winning the 1982 World Cup in New Zealand. Personally, being the first Australian (ahead of Allan Border by one week) to achieve consecutive centuries in ODI matches. I believe that I was the first and still the only person in the world to achieve this on consecutive days.
I also played lacrosse for Australia in 3 international test series. I was fortunate enough to be a part of the team in 1981 that won Australia’s first ever test match. It was against the USA and we lost the series, but it was a real thrill to win the first ever match against quality opposition. In 1986, I scored a rare goal (as I was in defence) against Great Britain to break the deadlock as scores were tied and time was running out. We hung on to win the match and Australia’s first series win against the “Old Enemy”.
Aside from cricket what was your profession and where did you work?
I was a Physical Education teacher/senior and then moved more into the Sciences with Biology being my speciality. I taught mostly in state schools starting at Para Vista High before winning a Faculty Senior position at Henley High. I was the youngest senior in the state so that put me at the top of the list for country service. I would have loved to teach in the country, however I would have had to forego my cricket and lacrosse careers, so I sought employment elsewhere for four years. During this period I was fortunate to work in the Catholic system at Siena and Sacred Heart Colleges before returning to the public system and Golden Grove High where I finished my teaching career.
What attracted you to take up golf and to join The Grange Golf Club?
My parents took up golf in their 60’s and joined Flagstaff Hill Golf Club. I enjoyed playing the occasional round when possible as it was a great way to share time with them. I still remember my first 18 holes, being taught all the etiquette of the game. I loved the mental challenges golf presented and the thrill of hitting a great shot when the percentages were low. Nothing has changed in that regard.
I was a member at Riverside and had played golf at Grange with Helen Sanderson’s Executive Women’s Golf group. I loved the whole experience with the course in great condition and an excellent dinner afterwards. When the roof collapse occurred at Riverside, several members moved to Grange; I was fortunately not there when this tragedy happened, but it was the stimulus for the move. The number of women members at Grange and access to two courses were the main reasons I chose Grange.
What is your favourite hole on the course?
8th Hole West. It is my best chance of getting the elusive hole-in-one!
What do you love most about The Grange?
Without a doubt, the friendships and club culture! I love the way staff and members interact in a friendly, caring and respectful manner. Everyone is happy to have a relaxed chat. When things are not going well for anyone, club members and staff are incredibly supportive. Grange offers a total golf package for me with the friendships, two courses, great pro-shop and coaching, dining facilities, front office administration, gymnasium, and car wash. What more could a girl want?
What has been your most memorable moment at The Grange to date?
Without doubt, the 2015 A2 Pennant championship was the greatest moment for me. Managed by Kris Tapp and captained by Louise Dearing, the team won the trophy for the first time in 20 years.
A big thank you to Jill Kennare for her time and sharing her story that we thought many would enjoy. Jill has been a very successful sportswoman and we love having her part of the Grange family.