Cricketers bowled over with great Belvedere Cricket nets redevelopment
Published on 15 November 2021
Cricketers are bowled over with the Belvedere Cricket nets redevelopment at Seaford thanks to a $271,000 investment from Frankston City Council.
Mayor Kris Bolam was joined by Deputy Mayor Nathan Conroy, Council CEO Phil Cantillon, the State Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke MP, and club officials at the official opening to celebrate the redevelopment of the nets.
The Mayor said the redevelopment is a vast improvement, adding: “This synthetic surface will be so much easier underfoot than the mix of concrete and grass that was so challenging for bowlers.
“Removing the wire mesh from between the cricket pitches significantly reduces the risk of injury from balls ricocheting off posts.
“Replacing them with retractable netting also means that the space can be opened up for a variety of training options,” Mayor Bolam said.
Mayor Bolam added: “It’s incredible to think that three cricket pitches can be turned into a space measuring 40 metres by 11 metres in a matter of minutes.
“I’m sure that will come in handy not just for cricketers, but also for the Seaford Junior Football Club players who might sometimes take advantage of this space to protect their oval after bad weather.
“This facility will also benefit the students from the local primary school and residents, with one fully enclosed pitch set aside for community use,” the Mayor said.
Mayor Bolam said: “For those enjoying Belvedere Park when the Club is active, these fully enclosed nets will keep them safe from random balls.”
Seaford Tigers Cricket Club President Brett Millar said the facility introduced a new level of safety for players, with retractable nets dividing spaces rather than poles that balls could ricochet off.
Mr Millar said: “We had our first session in the nets last week and it was a real carnival atmosphere.
“The weather was great and people were everywhere, bowling and batting safely. Run ups were better and no-one was having to chase balls onto the oval.
“The club and playing community are so grateful. We are proud of the precinct that we have with a good pavilion, two cricket ovals and now these nets as well,” Mr Millar said.