The Entrance Seagulls are set to soar in the 2022/23 cricket season following the official opening of their new cricket net facility at EDSACC Oval North.
The $120,000 project included the relocation and refurbishment of the site’s cricket nets and features four synthetics wickets which will be used by The Entrance’s junior teams.
The project was funded through the NSW Government’s ICC T20 World Cup 2020 Cricket Legacy Fund and Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said the facilities would help ensure Central Coast cricket continues to go from strength to strength.
“The Central Coast is recognised as one of the strongest cricketing regions in NSW, producing many representative players over the years,” Mr Crouch said.
“These facilities will guarantee our region continues to deliver some of the State’s best cricketers and allow The Entrance juniors to continue to dream of wearing the baggy green or baggy blue.
“Across our region we have seen an enormous increase in participation from both male and female cricketers, facilities like these provide them with an excellent opportunity for future advancement.”
Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said the project was a great example of how the NSW ICC T20 World Cup 2020 Cricket Legacy Fund was benefiting grassroots cricket across the State.
“The Fund has provided $6 million over three years to clubs and councils across NSW to support the growth in cricket participation and ensure a lasting legacy from the women’s and men’s T20 World Cups,” Mr Ayres said.
“This project will benefit junior cricket on the Central Coast, from girls and boys picking up a bat and ball for the first time to the region’s representative players.”
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup CEO Michelle Enright is thrilled the new facilities will have a lasting positive impact for cricket on the Central Coast.
“The Local Organising Committee is delighted to be working in partnership with the NSW Government and Cricket NSW to ensure that hosting two ICC T20 World Cups in Australia has a lasting positive impact,” Ms Enright said.
“We are thrilled that the Legacy Fund has assisted with the construction of these new facilities that will benefit the Central Coast cricket well into the future.”
Sydney hosts seven matches as part of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022. Hosts and defending champions Australia play New Zealand under lights on Sunday, 22 October in a replay of the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup Final.
South Africa, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, New Zealand and two qualifying teams from the first round of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will feature in the remaining Super 12 matches.
Sydney will also host the first semi-final on Wednesday, 9 November. Should Australia qualify for the semi-finals, Australia will play at the SCG. For further information and to purchase tickets visit: https://tickets.t20worldcup.com/