Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association club St Leonards will tackle the new season with improved practice facilities at Len Trewin Reserve.
The new facility features three synthetic lanes built to modern standards, providing a safe and high quality environment for players to develop their skills.
It was officially opened by Mayor Trent Sullivan and State Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant, alongside St Leonards CC secretary Jaymie Crook, vice-president Gary Egan, club members, and Bellarine Ward councillors Elise Wilkinson and Jim Mason.
The $450,000 project was jointly funded by the City of Greater Geelong ($350,000) and the Victorian government ($100,000).
Mayor Sullivan said the new nets would allow the club to expand its junior and successful women’s cricket programs, as well as being a better place for its men’s teams to train.
“The Saints have done a great job supporting junior cricket and establishing two women’s teams, but there’s no doubt the old training facilities at this reserve were a barrier,” Mayor Sullivan said.
“The new nets are safer and will be much more appealing for anyone looking to get involved in the club. We were pleased to partner with the Victorian government in this project and we’re rapt for the Saints’ committee, which has put a lot of effort into seeing the new nets become a reality.”
“The summer of cricket is just around the corner, but the love of the game never stops, that’s why we’re making sure more people can practice all year round here at St Leonards Lake Reserve,” Ms Marchant said.
“This dedicated training space is a big win for the community providing an area where fans of the game can hone their batting and bowling skills close to home.”
