Keen cricketers in Shelford and Bannockburn will have access to new hard wickets for the upcoming cricket season – with a third wicket in Ross Creek on the way.
The $75,000 Hard Wicket Replacement Program is fully funded by Golden Plains Shire Council and includes the two completed wickets at the Shelford Recreation Reserve and Oval 2 at Victoria Park in Bannockburn, alongside a third to be installed at Ross Creek Recreation Reserve.
Works on the wicket in Ross Creek have been delayed due to wet weather and the project is expected to commence over the cricket season’s Christmas break.
Mayor Cr Helena Kirby says works to local sporting facilities will help expand participation in cricket for adults and aspiring juniors.
“Cricket is a much-loved summer sport in Golden Plains and without accessible and suitable sporting infrastructure, some participants might not ever pick up the ball or take a wicket.
“The Hard Wicket Replacement Program is important to ensure local athletes are safe and enjoy returning to community sports following COVID-19 restrictions. We’re working on ensuring our teams, clubs, players and social community players have somewhere to get outside and have fun.
“Council is pleased to deliver the new hard wickets for cricket players of all ages in Shelford, Bannockburn and Ross Creek, as well as other Golden Plains Shire teams who will play on these new wickets this summer.”
Council is committed to improving the community’s sporting infrastructure as it continues to work alongside its Victorian Government and Federal Government partners to increase participation and health and wellbeing in Golden Plains Shire.
Construction on new cricket training facilities at the recreation reserves in Lethbridge and Linton is underway and soon be available for keen cricketers to train in the nets.
In addition to the new hard wickets in Shelford, Bannockburn and Ross Creek, Council previously replaced the hard wickets at the Inverleigh Sporting Complex, Rokewood Recreation Reserve and Linton Recreation Reserve.
Pictured above: Mayor Cr Helena Kirby joins Shelford Cricket Club members Robert Rice, Jordan Clancy and William Green at Shelford Recreation Reserve.