New Nets for Aberdeen Cricketers

TODAY the Aberdeen junior cricket club had a win with the announcement they will receive $14,832 to help fund new cricket nets and resurface the synthetic pitch at Jack Walker Oval.

Jake Duffin using the Aberdeen cricket nets, which will soon be replaced.

Currently the club only has two cricket nets in fairly poor condition, which leaves teams waiting on the sidelines for their time to practice explained club president, Fiona Tickle.

“It is very much needed in the area because we only had the two practice nets and we have four junior teams and two senior teams and most of the cricketers like to do two practice sessions a week, so to get a time slot after school and after work has been quite difficult,” said Ms Tickle.

“When junior cricketers and seniors are practicing with their balls speeds near them it’s not ideal, so this helps solve that,” she said.

“I really am so excited we have received the funding,” she said.

“I have been with the club for ten years and it has always been a high priority and we have applied for so many grants that taken so much time and have ended in disappointment, so this is very big news in my home and there are a lot of cricketers who are very happy to hear the news,” Fiona Tickle said.

Rob Bennett, from the Aberdeen seniors cricket club said the nets would be great for Aberdeen cricket players, but especially the juniors.

“The new nets will be good for the juniors,” said Rob Bennett.

“We have a lot of talented junior cricketers in the area,” he said.

Joel Fitzgibbon, federal member for Hunter said he was pleased to announce the funding to the Aberdeen junior cricket club.

Edan Tickle, Rob Bennett and Jake Duffin at the current Aberdeen cricket nets.

“I know how hard it is for local groups to fundraise to upgrade facilities and replace items.  It can take months and years for volunteers in small organisations to raise this type of money for capital works projects,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“I congratulate and thank the Aberdeen Junior Cricket Club for their quality submission,” he said.

The improvements will cost $31,000.

The grant funding is $14,832, the Upper Hunter Shire Council has pledged $8,000, the Aberdeen cricket clubs are contributing money, Clifford Quarries and Plant Hire are donating equipment and many people have volunteered their labour.