Gippsland cricket will benefit from new portable infrastructure at Traralgon Recreation Reserve and Moe’s Ted Summerton Reserve being installed for the Valley Smash BBL pre-season match on December 15.
Sightscreens and boundary ropes to be used for the Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes clash will become permanently available for use at both venues in a big boost for local clubs and associations.
The Cricket Victoria compliant equipment will improve the region’s ability to attract and host future major events, plus allow for night cricket to become a staple fixture for local competitions.
VCCL Region 7 president George Munro said this type of infrastructure came as a major bonus for association level cricket and higher level competition.
“Having access to this equipment year round will open up new opportunities for cricket in Gippsland, including more regular feature games under lights following the success of a recent trial GCL day night match between Traralgon and Warragul at the Traralgon Rec Reserve,” Mr Munro said.
“The implementation of the sightscreens allow both Traralgon and Moe to attract major events such as the Big Bash as the infrastructure is essential for hosting.
“This is a great benefit for Gippsland.”
Latrobe Valley Authority has provided a grant of $34,910 for the purchase and installation of the screens and ropes from the Latrobe Valley Community Facility Fund.
“LVA is proud to support local cricket and boost the region’s ability to host major sporting events like next week’s Valley Smash cricket match,” LVA CEO Karen Cain said.
“Sport is an integral part of community life in Gippsland, which is why we’ve invested $85 million in sports and infrastructure across the region to increase local capacity and build on this strength.
“This infrastructure will complement the $3 million Cricket Centre of Excellence set to be constructed at Ted Summerton Reserve, funded by the State Government as part of Latrobe Valley Sports and Community Initiative.”
The equipment will see its first use next Friday at the inaugural Valley Smash BBL practice match in Traralgon.
Tickets to the Stars vs Hurricanes BBL match on Friday 15 December are available at latrobevalleysmash.com.au