THE Scone Cricket Club has welcomed a $172,500 contribution from the NSW Government to refurbish their equipment.
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The money is set to go towards new nets and a cricket pitch at Sheppard Oval and new cricket pitches at Saunders and McNabb Ovals.
Secretary of Scone Junior Cricket Brett Hails said the contribution would go a long way.
“It will encourage young and old, females and males to come back to cricket to play in a state-of-art set of nets,” Mr Hails said.
“These nets are being designed by Cricket NSW and there will be about six nets in total - it will be a positive impact for the game.”
President of Scone Junior Cricket Darren Crowther said during the cricket season, there are a lot of people coming through town for representative cricket.
“The nets are fantastic for this area,” Mr Crowther said.
“We see this as a hub for the Hunter Valley, so we are very excited for these state-of-the-art facilities and these nets to hopefully be facilitated in the next few months.”
Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen said the new netting material would allow for greater flexibility and longevity of the equipment.
“Once the works are completed, our local Scone Cricket Club could become a local training hub in the region, as well as host competitions for the Hunter Valley, Central North and Cricket NSW,” Mr Johnsen said.
“This project is one of 22 across NSW, funded through the latest round of the Club grants category 3 Infrastructure Grants program.
“More than $50 million in funding is being provided during this current term of government for projects across sport and recreation, emergency preparedness, and arts and culture.
Upper Hunter Shire Council mayor Wayne Bedggood added the increased number of nets and improved facilities would allow more young people to train daily in the Bill Rose Sports Complex.