New Cricket Nets Open for Use
Council has recently finalised an exciting project at Bennett Oval, constructing brand new cricket nets with four new lanes of synthetic pitches and netting.
This replaces the previous two-lane facility with concrete pitches and chain mesh fencing, which was deteriorating due to age.
Bennet Oval recently underwent a substantial upgrade with refurbishment of the grandstand, canteen, bar and change room facilities as well as the installation of a new irrigation system and four turf wickets on the oval.
These new cricket nets will further add to the amenities at Bennett Oval, providing a professional facility for the Whyalla Cricket Association and its players.
The wider community are also set to benefit from these new facilities with all four nets open for the public to use.
The total cost of this project was $135,000, with $30,000 received from the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA). A contribution was also made by Roopena Football and Sporting Club.
Director of Infrastructure, Kristen Clark, said that Council hoped the new facility would increase local cricket participation rates for both Juniors and Seniors.
“The new four-lane facility is another step in our ambitions to attract Women’s Big Bash cricket in the future, which would be another great coup for Whyalla,” Mr Clark said. “Bennett Oval caters for a crowd of 5,000 people, which is the ideal size for locations of WBBL scheduling, so we’re hopeful all of these upgrades will position us to become part of their fixture, further promoting our elite sport capability across the nation.”
