BY ALEX TIGANI
Tonight, the Singleton Bulls will play host to the Maitland Blacks’ under-14 and under-18 line-ups in trial matches under lights at Howe Park.
However, there will be a notable absence.
“The condemned (southern) Viv Stewart grandstand came down last month,” the Singleton Bulls declared on social media.
“Built in the mid-1980s, it has witnessed many a great game from local juniors to the All Blacks vs NSW Country clash in 1988.”
The iconic viewing point will make way for a new 440 seat grandstand due for completion in 2021.
Club officials were rejoicing after securing $1.2 million from two separate NSW Government regional development funds in February.
$900,000 had been allocated to commence the opening stage of construction of a modern grandstand and facilities at Rugby Park courtesy of the NSW Government’s Regional Communities Development Fund.
This evening’s under-14 match will start at 6pm before a small crowd (adhering to social distancing) is expected for the under-18 match at 7.30pm.