New nets for Scone
BY ALEX TIGANI
Upper Hunter cricketers will be complimented by a new addition this summer.
If all goes to plan, a new set of cricket nets will be unveiled at Scone’s Bill Rose Sports Complex this afternoon.
These new facilities will cater for many talents across the region.
“Between the Upper Hunter District Cricket Association and Upper Hunter District Junior Cricket Association we have 420 registered players, and other cricket groups such as Hunter Valley, Central North and local school competitions are also interested in using the upgraded facilities,” UHDCA secretary Gavin Newton Smith told The Hunter River Times.
“It is hoped to attract representative games to the region such as Country Cup, Regional Big Bash and junior carnivals with one already being planned for October 2020.
“The previous cricket nets and Shepherd Oval pitch did not meet standards with safety issues and extensive repairs were needed.”
They have been replaced with high quality facilities to meet current standards including a fully enclosed synthetic surface, retractable safety netting, with appropriate marking for all junior competitions.
The total project budget was $375,000.
Depending on the remaining funding there may be also be an opportunity for some further improvements to the local facilities.
“We could potentially play host to an under-13 country championship or something of that size,” he concluded.
“You’re looking at about 300-400 people coming onto the area.”
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Total budget
$172,500 – Liquor & Gaming, NSW Department of Primary Industries
$112,500 – Upper Hunter Shire Council
$50,000 – Cricket NSW
$5,000 – Upper Hunter District Cricket Association
$5,000 – Upper Hunter District Junior Cricket