THE 2023/2024 season has ended, and I could not believe that the Leongatha Cricket Association allowed the B grade finals to be played on synthetic wickets when a turf wicket was available.
During the season, B grade games are played on both surfaces. Cricketers would jump at the opportunity to play on turf anytime. A semi-final game I watched, was played on a synthetic wicket when a short distance down the road, a turf wicket was available.
The weather was perfect all the week. Both teams had a mix of junior player in the teams. It was the perfect opportunity for those juniors to gain experience on a turf wicket for their development. Especially a final. All other cricket associations in the Gippsland region would not hesitate to play all games on turf. In fact, most of the senior clubs in Gippsland have turf wickets.
Furthermore, Country Week Cricket and inter zone cricket are played on turf. Hence it makes sense that cricket should be played on turf at every given opportunity.
Fred Debono, Inverloch
