Cricketers can now rejoice or scream 'howzat', whichever they prefer, with the official opening today of the Verge and Eden St six lane cricket net facility.
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The $181,745 project was jointly funded by Kempsey Shire Council, the T20 World Cup legacy, the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund, Macleay Valley Cricket Association and Mid North Coast Junior Cricket Council.
Currently, the Macleay Valley Cricket season is nearing round six with the nets opened just in time for the start of summer.
Cricket NSW spokesperson, Martin Garoni, said the nets represented an investment in grassroots regional cricket supported through a Cricket Infrastructure Funding grant.
"Cricket NSW are committed to cricket across the state and to supporting local councils and clubs to deliver projects that improve facilities and increase player participation."
The facility is the only of its size, style and quality north of Newcastle and line marked to conform with junior cricket formats that cater for different pitch lengths and to accommodate a variety of participants.
Other cricket nets in the area include facilities at Jim Stirling Oval, Crescent Head, South West Rocks, Frederickton Sports Ground, and the old Eden Street nets that will be replaced.
Council's Coordinator Parks and Projects, Steve Pellen, said the nets have been installed in a new location to make way for a new pavilion area and replace the old, dated infrastructure which had reached the end of its lifespan.
"Council worked with the local cricket association to identify the need for more nets and to source additional funding to provide six nets where previously there were only four," he said.
"We have a strong Cricket participation in the Macleay so having facilities of this standard ensures ongoing development of junior and senior cricket programs in the valley."
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