Sport
3 April, 2023
Top quality wicket for clubs
The Maryborough Cricket Club will be better equipped to keep the Princes Park wicket in tip top shape all year round thanks to a $10,000 funding boost. The funding — provided by the Community Bank Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud — will support...
The Maryborough Cricket Club will be better equipped to keep the Princes Park wicket in tip top shape all year round thanks to a $10,000 funding boost.
The funding — provided by the Community Bank Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud — will support the club to purchase new covers, a covers trolley and hessian to assist volunteers in maintaining the wickets.
Maryborough Cricket Club president Craig Jennings said the funding comes at just the right time for the club.
“We got funding from Sport and Recreation Victoria to replace the wicket out in the middle of Princes Park, so we’re digging up the three wickets there and putting a fourth wicket in at the end of the football season,” he said.
“All our hessian covers that we use when it’s raining are pretty well useless because they’re not big enough. The Community Bank was great to support us to buy covers that are four wickets wide, and one that’s one wicket wide, and a trolley to put it on. We’re really thankful.
“When we get this new wicket in, we’ll have everything we need to keep it in a top state.
“There’s a limited number of us who look after it, and having the right equipment just makes it that much easier.”
The covers will also help other oval users during the year, — particularly with the Maryborough Football Netball Club’s season kicking off at home on April 15.
“Over footy season we cover the wicket when it’s going to rain so it’s not as muddy when Maryborough play at home. It’s not just us, it helps everyone who uses the oval,” Jennings said.
Community Bank branch manager Joel Condon said it’s pleasing to know the grant will benefit the wider community.
“We understand the vital role volunteers play in our community. This grant will reduce the workload for the volunteers that maintain the pitch throughout the year,” he said.
“This new equipment will benefit multiple users as Princes Park also hosts football for the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League and Bendigo Football Netball League, Energy Breakthrough, Highland Games and many other events.”
