On August 12 at cricket headquarters Vic Park, the club took custody of a brand new, 900mm wide x 2.8m long Mentay 2000 cricket pitch roller from Mentay Engineering Ballarat.
“It’s the latest - full hydraulics, power steering forward and reverse - and used by several cricket clubs in Ballarat,” Mentay Engineering’s Dale Kewish told the Yarrawonga Chronicle.
“It’s top of the range - the best in the world.”
Yarrawonga Mulwala Cricket Club’s Glenn Brear said that second-hand, third-hand and fourth-hand rollers have been used by club volunteers in the past.
“They’ve been great but in February this year our last roller had given up,” he said.
“It’s the biggest and best purchase since Yarrawonga District Cricket Association and Mulwala United Cricket Club joined forces in 2008. It’s our biggest foray into making our equipment up to speed and better for our club.
“It’s costing $32,000. We had to borrow the money and we appreciate the understanding and support of Central Murray Credit Union in this regard.”
Central Murry Credit Union’s John Pattison said the credit union is a strong and long-time supporter of local support and was happy to continue the support with the cricket club’s latest purchase.
The cricket roller’s substantial cost was acknowledged by cricket Life Member and Team of the Century member Glenn Brear.
“It is a lot of money,” he said. “But it’s the best and will make it easier for our volunteers who roll the pitch to really look forward to coming down and rolling it.
“We thank Dale for coming over and going through it all with us. We’re very appreciative.”
This particular cricket roller is considered essential from a long term point of view and to properly complement the wonderful Stan Hargreaves Cricket oval, pitch and facilities.
The purchase and investment will provide the impetus for the club going forward.
All the money for the roller’s purchase, however, had to be borrowed. If anyone or any organization is willing to contribute towards the cost of the cricket roller, it would be formally acknowledged at Vic Park and greatly appreciated.
Enquiries in this regard can be made to Glenn Brear on 0409 431 678.