Tarwonga Cricket Ground

Statement of Significance

Notable for the part it played in the development of the local community and the creation of a sense of identity. It is the second cricket ground in the area, the original being north of the Tarwonga Inn - the pitch being laid by a local farmer, Girdlestone.

Physical Description

Situated to the south of the (relocated) Tarwonga Hall on the Tarwonga Reserve east of the Albany Highway. It is a non irrigated oval of standard dimensions with a centre wicket of concrete covered by 'gabba grass' (artificial turf). Practice wickets are located at the southern end.

History

The private land for the sports ground at the Inn became unsuitable and it was decided to set up a new sports area on the reserve across the brook from the hall and school. This was heavily timbered, mostly jam and sheoak and the removal of the timber was done by man and horse-power. After the trees were pulled down and dragged off by snig chain with horses the horses were then harnessed to a large harvester wheel on its flat, heavily laden down with logs and dragged over the area until levelled and all stumps removed. The track round this oval was then prepared mainly by hand labour and was put in good order for all sports: horse events (walk, trot, gallop, etc), high jump, tent pegging, cycling, foot running, novelty car driving events and many more. But the big event attraction was the log chops. Bill Petchell, who at that time held the title of State Champion, was a Tarwonga resident and a big draw to outside top axemen. Joe Preston had the knowledge and experience to efficiently do the handicapping. The grand ball at night was as big a draw as the day's sport, and this recreation developed into a foremost attraction. It continued on with momentum until 1925. The Tarwonga Inn discontinued the licence in 1924. This may have been one step towards the discontinuing of Tarwonga sports after 1925. Another reason, no doubt, was that at this time Williams decided to start have a big Easter Monday carnival with more and bigger events than Tarwonga, and greater room for the renowned ball at night. On this account Tarwonga lost some of its Williams support. (1) Tarwonga has produced many fine cricketers - Charlie Sattler (who kept wickets at Country Week for the Williams Assoc into his '50's), the Hardacre brothers, Greg Hogg and his son, Brad, who made his debut for Australia in the 1996 Test Match in India.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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