New wickets for cricket season

BATTERS taking to the crease this season will do so on new hard wickets at three Golden Plains Shire ovals.

The Shire’s $75,000 Hard Wicket Replacement Program has seen completed works at the Shelford Recreation Reserve and Oval 2 at Victoria Park at Bannockburn, with rain-delayed works set to be completed at Ross Creek Recreation reserve over the Christmas break.

Mayor Cr Helena Kirby said the Shire is supporting participation in the summer sport for juniors and adults, as cricketers prepare for an uninterrupted season.

“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,” Cr Kirby said.

“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.”

Ms Kirby said the municipality will continue to lobby State and Federal Governments for infrastructure upgrades at community facilities to encourage participation in physical activity.

New cricket training facility works are being completed in Lethbridge and Linton, with nets soon to be available.

The new wickets are the latest in a series of replacements, with Inverleigh Sporting Complex, Rokewood Recreation Reserve and Linton Recreation Reserve receiving similar upgrades.