Jason Allen has played first grade across four decades, been crowned district player of the year three times, claimed premierships with two Maitland clubs, scored thousands of runs and bowled countless overs.
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Now the veteran all-rounder has decided to hang up the whites and call time on his decorated career.
This Saturday’s final round fixture against Raymond Terrace at Jack Collins Oval will be his last with Eastern Suburbs out of the running for the play-offs and the Griffins will be determined to send him out a winner.
“Hopefully we can get a win for him on Saturday,” Griffins skipper Andrew Vickery said.
“He deserves to go out on top.”
Last week the Griffins narrowly staved off an outright loss in front of their home crowd on “old boys day” with Allen turning in a vintage display of defiance by scoring 42 from 84 deliveries.
Vickery said this typified one of Allen’s best attributes.
“You can’t teach competitiveness,” Vickery said.
“He always digs in and that’s how you should play sport.”
Allen has obviously passed on a few things to his son Brendan, having featured in two century partnerships this season.
Vickery said Allen would be a tough man to replace at the club both on and off the field.
“It’s tough losing Jas and he leaves a massive hole,” Vickery said.
“He is the guy you go to for advice and he is the guy you go to to win a game.”
In the other round 14 fixtures Northern Suburbs host Kurri Weston at Lorn Park in a battle for second spot on the competition ladder while fourth-placed Western Suburbs are away to Thornton Park.
Play starts at noon.
Minor premiers City United have the bye.