Tara Murray
The long wait is almost over for Sunbury to finally play a home Victorian Turf Cricket Association match at Clarke Oval.
The club has had to play home matches at Progress Reserve in Coolaroo the last three seasons while Clarke Oval was upgraded to allow for a turf wicket.
While the Roar earned two promotions while playing outside of Sunbury, the dream of having a turf wicket is now a reality.
Roar secretary Marty Kelders said it was looking like they would host their first match on the new pitch this Saturday, with their first XI to get the first hit on it.
“The long anticipated wait to play our first match on the new turf wicket at Clarke Oval is all but over,” he said.
“From all reports the preparations are on schedule with the grass being mowed and rolling commenced.
“This coming Saturday we are fixtured to play Grand United in a 40 over VTCA division 3, one day match at Clarke Oval.
“It has been a long few years in the making with a lot of hard work being done during this time including the decision to join VTCA, having to play at Coolaroo for two seasons longer than first planned, the many meetings and discussions with council and other Clarke Oval stakeholders, purchase of equipment, the list goes on.”
Kelders thanked everyone for their patience while getting the wicket underway.
The Roar finally got the opportunity to play matches on Saturday, after the first five weeks of the season were cancelled due to rain and unplayable grounds.
It wasn’t the result they were after though in division 3, losing to the Williamstown Imperials.
The Roar, which had four players making their debut for the club, were restricted to 8-162.
The top order all got starts, but no one could go on with it.
Jason McGann top scored with 38, while Sajith Kalumpriya making 37.
The Roar got off to the perfect start with the ball, getting opener Alan Pratt out for duck.
While they got a couple more early wickets to leave the Imperials at 3-60, there was little joy after that.
The Imperials reaching the target just three wickets down at 3-163 in the 32nd over.
It was all single wicket takers for the Roar.
Meanwhile, the VTCA has changed the first half of the fixture due to the number of days of play lost.
The first half of the season before Christmas is now all one-dayers.
