CRICKET pitches around Sunraysia are expected to be in top shape for next season with a decrease in traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down winter sports such as football.
With SFNL and Millewa clubs not training or playing, and unlikely to return to the field in 2020 unless crowds are allowed to attend matches, cricket pitches are getting some much-needed relief.
Local cricket clubs such as Irymple, who last weekend re-leveled around the centre wicket area, have taken the chance to improve their facilities.
SCA president Andrew Farlie welcomed the proactiveness of clubs.
“There should be no excuses for some big scores if there’s been no footy on the pitches over the winter,” he said. “Getting their facilities up to standard, council are certainly taking notice of that at the moment around the work clubs are putting on to the centre wicket areas, and that’s been great.
“We had the guys from Perfect Pitch in town last year too provided through Willowfest. Clubs have taken that advice on board and taken this opportunity to really improve the facilities.”
With the Victorian State of Emergency to expire at midnight on Monday, a further announcement from local sporting bodies is expected next week detailing what seasons will look like going forward, including if football will return and when cricket will be able to start.
