Bendigo cricket's first XI grand final to be played on Kennington's turf

By Travis King
Updated November 7 2012 - 7:23am, first published February 13 2012 - 10:51am

This season’s Bendigo District Cricket Association first XI grand final will be played at Harry Trott Oval.It will be the second consecutive year Bendigo United Cricket Club has hosted the marquee match, after the Redbacks lost the grand final at home against Strathdale-Maristians last year.The decider was played at Harry Trott last year because the BDCA’s preferred venue – the Queen Elizabeth Oval – was being renovated.This year the match has been relocated due to concerns about the QEO’s wicket being suitable to host a two-day grand final.This season’s second XI decider will be played at Canterbury Park in Eaglehawk, while Weeroona Oval will host the third XI final.Strathdale-Maristians’ home ground, Bell Oval, will host the under-17 final.BDCA president Wayne Walsh said Harry Trott Oval was preferred alternate ground for the first XI grand final because it was currently in good condition and would improve with more watering in the coming weeks.“We felt that the centre square is quite well covered with grass, especially the two wickets the finals would be played on,” Walsh said.Walsh said the BDCA also decided on Harry Trott Oval because it was a good viewing ground and has ample car parking.The BDCA has asked the City of Greater Bendigo to increase the watering and outfield maintenance at the four grounds to host finals.Harry Trott Oval’s outfield will be cut to the same level as last season’s grand final to ensure a fast outfield.Bendigo United president David Bicknell said the club was “rapt” to have the opportunity to host the grand final again.“We like to think we did a pretty good job last year – that’s for other people to say – but the club’s really rapt to get another opportunity to showcase the ground,” he said.“It was the first time we had the opportunity last year and the ground’s in good condition again.”A rematch of last year’s grand finalists is a possibility with Strathdale-Maristians on top of the ladder and Bendigo United in second place – on the same number of points as Golden Square – with the season halfway through the second last round.

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

$0/

(min cost $0)

or signup to continue reading

See subscription options

Get the latest Bendigo news in your inbox

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.