On a good wicket with a nod to cricket tradition

A quaint throwback to tradition is helping Greenbank Cricket Club thrive.

The synthetic pitch on their ‘bottom oval’ at James Smith Recreation Area is bordered by a white picket fence which provides a symbolic and nostalgic nod to an era in the game before advertising signage took over.

The boundary fence upgrade, which was completed at the end of April, was funded by the Division 11 Local Infrastructure Program.

Club president Shane Harris says the idea came from Division 11 Councillor Natalie Willcocks.

‘She was at the ground a few years ago to see our new lights and said: “You know what would look good here?A white picket fence”,’ Shane says.

Cr Willcocks says she is delighted to have delivered on that vision.

‘I am very proud of the hard work put in by the club committee to grow participation in cricket in our area,’ Cr Willcock says.

‘And if this pretty white-fenced junior field is helping to attract more members, then it is an even better investment.’

Shane confirms memberships are booming. The club, which also has fields at Waterford, had more than 130 members last season and fielded 2 senior teams along with 6 junior sides across under 10s, 12s and 15s.

The club has now launched its first all-girls team, the Greenbank Girl Gladiators, who compete in under 11s in the winter Heat Girls League.

The next summer season for men and women starts in mid-October.

‘The club is growing massively and we definitely welcome anyone who wants to get involved as player, coach, administrator or supporter,’ Shane says.

For more information about the Greenbank Cricket Club, email: Greenbankcricket@gmail.com

PHOTO AT TOP: Cr Natalie Willcocks and Greenbank Cricket Club president Shane Harris chat across the club’s new eye-catching white picket boundary fence.