College wickets get upgrade

Cricket facilities in Baldivis are set to be hit for six as the State Government has pledged $40,000 to upgrading wickets from synthetic surfaces to turf pitches.

Funded through the McGowan Government's Local Projects, Local Jobs initiative, the new wickets will be at Baldivis Secondary College, allowing the club, school students and the wider community to access them.

White Knights Baldivis Cricket Club president Leigh McIntosh said the club had 400 members and added sporting infrastructure was needed because of the suburb’s growing population.

“We have been working with the high schools on a specialist cricket program — at the same time, we have seen a need for improvements in training facilities for both A and B-grade, so this is a win-win,” he said.

“We are pushing to meet the demand. We are one of the biggest cricket clubs in the region.

“We still haven’t been able to cater for women’s cricket yet.

“That is going to grow next year, so we will need other facilities to meet those needs.

“This project would not happen without Government grants.”

Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray said community sport was important for the mental and physical health of participants and taught youngsters strong values.

Baldivis MLA Reece Whitby said the club had an active membership and proud tradition.

I am thrilled to be able to support such a great local sporting club,

“The club has a close association with Baldivis Secondary College, which is a specialist cricket school and this commitment will benefit the school as well. The grant will also assist in encouraging local children in pursuing a healthy sporting activity.”