Pictured Monday February 5, McLean Oval will have just 6 weeks for the playing surface to grow and be ready for representative matches on March 16 and 17. The field was sown on February 2.
McLean Oval will host the U16 and U18 Regional State Cup matches on Saturday 17 March 2018. The Riverina Bulls will take on the Penrith Panthers, whilst the Monaro Colts will go head to head with the Western Rams. Country Rugby League booked the Oval for the matches on 9 November 2017; however, Hilltops Council undertook work on the playing surface, installing a watering system over January.
The work meant that the playing surface which is resown each year will have just 6 weeks to ‘take’. If the surface is not ready CRL may have to move matches to Yass or Young to ensure that they can be played on the respective dates. Robert’s Park although in excellent condition in regards to the playing surface, is unsuitable due to not having a perimeter fence around the entire field.
Hilltops General manager Anthony McMahon said, “Staff indicated that we expected the fields to be ready for use on the dates referred to above. Staff have been in contact with both the local rugby league hierarchy as well as Country Rugby League since December. Council is currently undertaking works to improve the long-term standard of the field including irrigation replacements and resowing of the turf.”
It is hoped that a large downpour will make the grass ‘shoot’ in the coming week or so. If the matches are moved due to the playing surface the township of Harden-Murrumburrah will lose a much-needed financial injection from accommodation and food and beverages over the weekend.
The Harden Junior Rugby League Club is hopeful the matches can go ahead as they will be running and retaining the profits from the canteen and putting those funds back into junior football.
