VICTORIA will host Cricket Albury-Wodonga’s Provincial grand final for the first time.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After numerous applications, Wodonga’s Les Cheesley Oval has been given the green light to host this year’s Provincial decider.
The move was ratified at a board meeting on Tuesday night.
After four seasons at Xavier Oval, the association opted to move the decider across the border.
Records suggest it’s the first time the game has been played in Victoria.
CAW boss Michael Erdeljac said Wodonga had been rewarded for effort.
“Every year it’s up for nomination and the two best this year came from St Pat’s and Wodonga,” he said.
“The board thought, after four years at St Pat’s, it was time to play it at Les Cheesley Oval.
“They matched the criteria that was set and, after all, it’s called Cricket Albury-Wodonga for a reason.
“I’ve spoken to the club’s president and they’re absolutely rapt about it.”
Wodonga skipper Robbie Jackson said the club was buzzing with excitement.
Laurie Saxon is the curator at Les Cheesley Oval and has been for more than five years.
“We’re absolutely rapt about it,” Jackson said.
“We’ve tried a couple of times before and been unsuccessful.
“The board gave the club a lot of feedback and things we needed to improve on we’ve gone and done that.”
Lavington Oval was ruled out because of its pitch.
Although it, along with Alexandra Park and Albury Sportsground, have hosted the grand final.
Xavier Oval hosted the grand final for the first time in 2009.
Xavier Oval will host the second grade decider this season.
Meanwhile, this year’s District grand final will be played at Mount Beauty, with the second-grade game at Urana Road.