Ryan Osborne of the Narre Warren North Cricket Club and Jack Hardie of Narre North Foxes were delighted with last week’s news that two new ovals were on the way.By Rebecca Fraser
THE battle for two Narre Warren North sporting clubs to secure new ovals is finally over.
Narre North Foxes and the Narre Warren North Cricket Club received news last Friday that two new ovals would be built on BelgraveHallam Road.
The $1.9 million project follows a long and trying campaign by both clubs to accommodate their growing members.
While the news was welcomed club officials said there were still many steps to be taken to address the shortage of sporting facilities in Casey.
President of Narre North Foxes Sean Delaney said it was about time that Narre Warren North received new facilities.
“For quite a few years now we have missed out and for clubs that provide so much to the community we have had to sit back and watch facilities being built elsewhere.
“We have survived with these facilities for far too long.
“We hope council get through the planning and design stage rather quickly and construction gets underway as soon as possible so the ovals are in place for the start of the 2007 season,” he said.
Mr Delaney said the club had just under 300 players this year and was expecting up to 350 players to pull |on their football boots next year.
He also said there were plenty of other sporting clubs in Narre Warren North still crying out for more facilities.
“There is still a lot more to be done in the Narre Warren North area and the community needs to keep pressure on council over the need for even more facilities.
“Basketball is crying out for something as well,” he said.
President of the cricket club Adrian Osborne said this was the club’s fourth year of operation and they had been struggling for more ovals the entire time.
“We have been using ovals in Endeavour Hills or wherever else we could.
“It is great that it has all been made official.
“One step has been made to help us but there is still a shortage of sporting facilities in Casey that needs looking at,” he said.
Araluen Ward councillor Rob Wilson said the development of the two ovals in the municipality’s north was now the numberone sports priority for council.
“I am delighted to see council understands the needs of this vibrant and growing club and commits enough money for the project.
“The Foxes are to be commended for their patience with the council as they have been seeking a second oval for several years.”
