Bedford cricket club claims a wicket

by Rebecca Bradshaw

May 14, 2008

BAYSWATER council has finally approved a turf wicket for Bedford Morley Cricket Club at the RA Cook Reserve in Bedford, after 12 years of relentless campaigning by the club.

Brad Zeplin, secretary of Bedford Morley, says players are thrilled.

“The club is over-the-moon,” Mr Zeplin said. “It means a hell of a lot to the club, as now one of our two top teams can play at home every week.”

Bedford Morley has had to lease a turf wicket in North Perth to play their games, which has proved costly both in travel and decreasing bar sales at its clubrooms.

“As we have had to play our games away, many of our players don’t return after their games to have a drink at our clubrooms, which doesn’t help club morale,” explains Mr Zeplin.

Developing a turf wicket had come under opposition from other co-users of the reserve, and Bayswater council.

Bayswater councillor, Marlene Robinson, says the council had resisted the Bedford Morley turf wicket request for the past 12 years due to the expense.

“The turf wicket development will now be at the club’s expense, but I’m glad the Bedford Morley Cricket Club has stuck to their guns in pushing this proposal,” Cr Robinson said.

Bayswater council will next week consider in their 2008/09 budget deliberations whether they will finance machinery and a storage shed to help maintain the wicket.

At least one Bedford resident is pleased to see a turf wicket finally installed at RA Cook.

Jennifer Smith, who has lived opposite the reserve for almost 50 years, believes the turf wicket will be good for Bedford.

“I think it’s marvellous,” Ms Smith said. “Having a turf wicket will allow the club to be more competitive and it’s better for the kids in the district who can now train and play locally."