$1.5M Club Redevelopment Nears Completion

A major redevelopment project has been underway at the club grounds over the off-season, including a complete recap of the clubs four major playing ovals and creation of two superb new training facilities.

Work began immediately after the close of the 2005/2006 season and was anticipated to go well into the start of this season, however better than expected progress will see the fields ready for the first ball of the first game on 14th October 2006.

"The new playing surface is second to none." says club president Gary Somerville. "We now have a facility that boasts four excellent pitches that will allow us to play under 8's through to under 16's and provide enough training facilities to handle the rapidly expanding number of members joining the club."

Club membership has increased rapidly at the Fireballs over the last few years and this new facility provides a wonderful resource to the cricketing community in the area.

"The redevelopment includes two new separated net areas to allow younger and older teams to train at the same time with maximum safety." says coaching director Andrew Knight. "Several of the net areas are fully enclosed and longer than a normal training net to allow bowling machines to be used by the older teams while younger boys and girls train alongside in complete safety. The longer nets also mean we can put wicket keepers behind the stumps during batting sessions, something that is difficult to do in a normal net setup. We have named the two net areas after past Ferny club members who have gone on to represent Australia - James Hopes and Geoff Foley."

The club plans to launch the new grounds and facilities with an Open Day on November 5th which will incorporate lots of fun activities for the entire family, including jumping castles, fastest bowling competition and dunk the coach, as well as a chance to try out the new fields with a 20-20 game or two. A BBQ and beer tent will provide refreshments. "We want to show off our new facilities and say thank you to the community that has supported us over the years."