Pitch attack:It’s just not cricket

By Paul Dunlop
VANDALS have forced stumps to be called at Pakenham’s newest cricket ground without a ball being bowled.
Just days before the newly laid wicket was due to host its first official senior game, hoons on a motorbike badly damaged the pitch.
Pakenham Cricket Club officials were shocked to discover the damage as they were about to prepare the ground for an Fgrade game on Saturday.
Two small but deep scorch marks just short of a good length on one section of the artificial turf wicket rendered it unusable.
The development of Don Jackson Reserve for summer sport was much anticipated by cricketers who desperately need extra playing fields to cater for the growing army of players.
Pakenham club president Trevor Williamson said the vandalism was a huge blow.
“It’s out of action definitely for the senior blokes,” Mr Williamson said.
“The under11s can still play there because they don’t need the full pitch but we can’t use one end.”
Cricket club officials said they were unsure whether the pitch could be patched up or whether a new one would have to be laid at the Ahern Road reserve.
Cardinia Shire Council officials were notified of the damage.
The vandalism was met with concern by council mayor Bill Ronald.
Cr Ronald said recreation reserves may one day be fenced off to the general public if problems escalated.
“Unfortunately, that’s the way it might end up going with everything under lock and key,” Cr Ronald said.
“Council goes to a lot of trouble to build these assets, it’s a shame some people can’t use them in the way they were intended. It’s very depressing.”
Mr Williamson said the new cricket pitch at Don Jackson Reserve was to have been a major boost for the club and had already prompted a number of players to join up.
“We have had about five junior players and five senior players sign up for this season on the strength of being able to play at this ground,” he said.
“A lot of people living in the area were rapt to see the ground developed and have told us how fantastic they think it is that cricket will be played. It is a real kick in the guts.”
Anybody with any information is urged to contact Pakenham Police on 5941 1033.