FOR the first time in more than 20 years Manning Cricket Association's A-grade grand final might not be played at the Johnny Martin Oval.
This is a result of on-going problems with vandalism the association is having at the Martin Oval, the traditional home of Manning Cricket. Forster's South Street Oval could be the new venue.
Cricket association secretary Tony Weston has described the vandalism as 'digraceful.'
"This used to be our No 1 ground, named in honour of the Manning's greatest cricketer,'' Mr Weston said.
He said that unless the association can get some support from council in the short term, they will have no choice but to move the grand final, probably to South Street at Forster.
"The problem is too big for us,'' Mr Weston said.
He said the association remains concerned that the pitch could be tampered with on the eve of, or overnight, during the grand final. Earlier this season the association hosted an SCG Country Cup game at the Martin Oval. Officials arrived at the ground on the morning of the game to find the wicket square had been damaged when a scooter had been ridden over the damp ground. Mr Weston added that despite what he described as 'herculean efforts' from Taree West Cricket Club, the grandstand remains a regular target of vandals.
"While inspecting the pitch last week I could not help but notice the grandstand was defaced by graffiti of a sexual nature,'' he said.
"I also noticed that boards are being removed from the side of the grandstand adjacent to one of the steps/gates, from which the locks have been broken off.
"I have heard reports of sexual activity in the grandstand in broad daylight, and at a recent Kookaburra Cup match one of our visitors was insulted.
"We cannot insult our visitors by subjecting them to the terrible conditions at the Johnny Martin Oval.''
Mr Weston fears that if the damage continues there won't be a grandstand at the oval.
"We've heard about a fence being erected there to protect the grandstand, but that would appear to be in the long term solution,'' he said.
"We need help to protect the ground and the stand in the short term.''
There are five grounds with turf wickets in the Manning association including the Martin Oval. However, Mr Weston believes Forster's South Street would be the only viable alternative, at least for this season.
"While Wingham Cricket Club has done a mighty job at Cedar Party Reserve there aren't the facilities there yet for players or spectators to play an A-grade grand final,'' he explained.
"Chatham Park's too small while Old Bar's outfield isn't up to the required standard. So we would be looking at South Street,'' he said.
"We don't want to leave the Martin Oval, but we might not have any choice.''
Mr Weston said he has contacted council on the matter.
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