An upgrade of Broadford Secondary College’s synthetic cricket pitch will help cater for the growing number of cricketers in the town.
Broadford Cricket Club, which has three senior and three junior teams and a Woolworths Blast program, uses the college oval for training and matches.
Due to the club’s growth, the oval is required more often and for longer periods.
The old synthetic centre wicket was non-complaint, sat low in the ground and both the pitch and bowlers’ run-ups retained water during rainfall.
Thanks to $10,000 from Cricket Victoria’s Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund and $30,000 from Mitchell Shire Council, the club now has a new future-ready facility.
The project included removal of the old synthetic pitch and concrete base, replaced with a new synthetic wicket, base and junior line markings. The surrounding areas have also been re-turfed.
The upgrade works will help better service the increasing demand for junior cricket and improve playing conditions.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Fiona Stevens said sport was an important part of the shire and a growing population was placing demand on sporting facilities.
“This project is a fantastic outcome for current and future cricketers, and I know it will be well utilised,” she said.
“I want to thank Cricket Victoria, Broadford Secondary College and Broadford Cricket Club for their support to make this project a reality.
“Partnerships like this are key to providing for our current residents and those who will call Mitchell Shire home in the future.”
