Former Wanneroo president Norm Fawcett and curator Vin Clarke with Roos’ former Test paceman Mitchell Johnson.
Camera IconFormer Wanneroo president Norm Fawcett and curator Vin Clarke with Roos’ former Test paceman Mitchell Johnson. Credit: Supplied/J Bianchini

Wanneroo celebrates official opening of new pitch block at Kingsway

Justin BianchiniWanneroo Times

Wanneroo’s central wicket area at Kingsway had grown old, unpliable.

The clay that curator Vin Clarke had to work with had been in the ground for 40 years.

“It all becomes compact,” former club president Mike Minear said. “The water runs straight off it and you can’t prepare a decent wicket.”

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So it was “dug up”, special clay ordered through the WACA and significant financial backing received from the City of Wanneroo.

And while curator Vin Clarke was giving the new pitch block’s first deck a final roll ahead of the Roos-Joondalup clash this morning, a ceremony had begun to officially open the new turf.

Wanneroo curator Vin Clarke.
Camera IconWanneroo curator Vin Clarke. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Club president David Minear thanked his club colleagues past and present, WACA chief executive Christina Matthews and the City of Wanneroo for the unwavering support.

Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts, who had not long started in the role when she experienced the exhilaration of the Roos’ first A-grade premiership in 2012, was announced as the club’s No. 1 ticketholder.

“This is very, very special,” she said. “Special because it’s a great club.

“Special because it’s a club with history, a lot of our pioneering families being involved.

Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts, Mike Minear, Cr Brett Treby and David Minear.
Camera IconWanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts, Mike Minear, Cr Brett Treby and David Minear. Credit: Supplied/Supplied
Image
Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“The club deserves the support (from the City of Wanneroo). It has so much respect from the wider community.

“It’s great what you’re doing with women’s cricket – that’s really exciting too. We know you’ve got challenges ahead. But please be assured from the City of Wanneroo’s perspective we will walk by you side by side on the journey, supporting, making sure you have the facilities you need to grow from.”

Mrs Roberts tossed the coin before officially opening the new wicket area by cutting a ribbon.

The Roos won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision which paid off after Joondalup was dismissed for 201. Wanneroo was 1-33 at stumps.

Wanneroo’s Christian Smith, Rob Richards and Travis Birt.
Camera IconWanneroo’s Christian Smith, Rob Richards and Travis Birt. Credit: Supplied/Supplied
Joondalup coach Mike Smith chats to his Wanneroo counterpart Joel Charles before the game.
Camera IconJoondalup coach Mike Smith chats to his Wanneroo counterpart Joel Charles before the game. Credit: Supplied/Supplied
Wanneroo scorer Dave Bebb.
Camera IconWanneroo scorer Dave Bebb. Credit: Supplied/Supplied