Turf dream achieved
KORUMBURRA Cricket Club has achieved a long held dream, installing a turf wicket.
On Saturday, the club celebrated the official opening of the turf, which replaces the synthetic pitch.
“We are here to celebrate the long held dream of having a turf wicket here at the Korumburra Cricket Club,” club president Darren Scott said.
The State Government, South Gippsland Shire Council, Cricket Victoria and club function volunteers and attendees raised the money to install a turf playing surface and to purchase new equipment, including a 1.2 ton roller and a shed.
Long time club supporter Wes Olden arranged over many years for local farmers to raise cattle, with the proceeds from the sale going towards the turf project.
Mr Scott thanked Mr Olden and the farmers, as well as the greenkeepers, for their work.
Mr Scott said playing regularly on turf will be a great advantage for Korumburra players, who will become familiar with playing on the surface from a junior level.
He said it will especially benefit the A Grade players, since A Grade finals are always played on grass.
Cr Bob Newton of South Gippsland Shire Council congratulated the club on the project’s completion.
He also acknowledged Alan Summerfield as one of the drivers of the project.
“Alan Summerfield is a driving force behind a lot of things,” Cr Newton said.
Mr Summerfield has been affiliated with the club for many years.
Currently he coaches U12s and he was a talented bowler and wicketkeeper at the club and attended Country Week in the 1980s.
Mr Summerfield told the players they could take a lesson from the club finally achieving its dream after many years of effort.
“If you have a goal and put the hard work in, you can get there,” Mr Summerfield said.
New turf: Korumburra Cricket Club’s turf wicket is officially opened, from left, by Cr Bob Newton, Alan Summerfield and club president Darren Scott.
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