Opening of new Martinborough Cricket Pitch celebrated in style

The new grass cricket pitch located within Considine Park was officially opened on the 17^th of November by Martinborough Community Board Chairperson Lisa Cornelissen, by the cutting of a ribbon strung between wickets at each end.  The pitch block has been properly prepared with the removal of topsoil and laid with clay, and also has had an in-ground watering system installed.  

More than 50 people attended the opening, at which pitch Co-Convenor  Matt Fenwick said the new pitch was the result of a lot of hard work and generosity from so many within our community.  Thanks were given to Helen McNaught of SWDC Parks and Reserves; Martinborough Community Board; South Wairarapa Pony Club; Martinborough Top 10 Holiday Park; Jim Brasell and Dinny Pearce for the supply of clay; Taylor and Hawkins Contractors, Trevor Petersen, Billy Herrick, and Lewis Herrick who all donated machinery for the pitch preparation; Chris Sparks of PGG Wrightson for the grass seed; Cotter & Stevens for irrigation advice; Red Horticultural; and members of the Uncles 11 cricket team who put in a lot of time and dedication.  Co-Convenors Carl Petersen and Matt Fenwick have put in a substantial amount of time and effort too!

The opening was immediately followed by the very first match on the pitch, fittingly between the two Martinborough Premiership Hardball junior teams – Falcons v Wanderers.  The pitch provided a very exciting close contest, with honours finally going to the Wanderers.  The Falcons won the toss and put the Wanderers into bat. With a small total of 82 on the board after the allotted 25 overs, with main contributions from Angus Jaspers (17 retired), Sam Hislop (12 retired) and good hitting at the end from Archie Clark (9 NO), the Falcons still looked very much in the game.  The best of the Falcons bowlers was Alex Mason (2-8).  However, the Wanderers defended exceptionally well, with very few extras and taking wickets at crucial times.  The main wicket takers were Conall Doyle (4-3) and Hamesh Patel (3-13).  The main contributors with the bat for the Falcons were Jono Didsbury (13 retired) and Jackson Didsbury (10).  The Falcons finished on 72 runs.       

The Wairarapa Cricket Association have been very supportive the new pitch in Martinborough, as they have found it hard to cater for all of Martinborough’s 7 junior cricket teams, 3 of which play hardball.  The pitch will also be used for numerous adult fixtures between teams like the Uncles 11, and the WOMBLES.  It is hoped that the pitch can also be used for inter-district representative fixtures between Wairarapa and Wellington in the future.  

Honor Clark