Broome series announced

The WACA and Ministry of Sport and Recreation today announced Western Warriors pre-season matches to be played in Broome in September 2000.

Broome will host top level cricket for the first time when the Western Warriors play limited overs matches against the Victoria Bushrangers on Saturday, September 23 and South African province, Natal, on Sunday, September 24.

Adding to the innovation of the series, the matches will be played on a transportable wicket which has been under construction in Perth for the past three months. The wicket is the first produced under the WACA's Portable Cricket Wicket Project.

Consisting of Harvey clay and original WACA turf (pre-1984 ground resurfacing), the pitch will be shipped to Broome late in June and installed in Male Oval.

"It's terrific for the WACA to be involved in such an exciting and innovative cricket project," said WACA Chief Executive Mike Allenby.

"Since the mid-1980s the WACA, with great support from Lord's Taverners, has contributed significant funding towards cricket development in the Broome area.

"It's terrific to be able to use the latest technology to take the game to the region and also help enhance cricket conditions in Broome.

"We see Broome as a perfect alternative to host cricket matches in our 'off-season' due to it's climatic conditions."

Sport and Recreation Minister Norman Moore announced the State Government will contribute some funding towards the project through the Country Sport Enrichment Scheme.

"I am delighted with the way that sports administrators in Western Australia have embraced the Country Sport Enrichment Scheme," Mr Moore said.

"One of the key aims of this new State Government program is to expose country people to top-class sport and that will certainly be the case when two top-class cricket matches are played in Broome."

The scheme previously contributed to Western Warriors pre-season matches in Kalgoorlie against South Australia (1998-99) and Victoria (1999-00).

The Broome Cricket Association and the Shire of Broome are also strong supporters of the series.

"The weekend of September 23 and 24 will be a very special time for all cricket followers, as well as the people of Broome and the Kimberley," said Broome Shire Chief Executive Officer Greg Powell.

"Through an initiative from the WACA, Broome will not only host these exciting, limited overs matches, but they will be played out on an international class wicket, which is being 'imported' from Perth especially for the occasion."

Working with schools and cricket clubs in the area, WA cricketers and WACA cricket officers have been making regular visits to major Kimberley centres, including Broome, to help promote and develop junior cricket since the mid-80s.

The outcome has seen a tremendous growth in junior cricket numbers, particularly in Broome and Kununurra.

The WACA already holds an annual talent camp in Broome each September and former international umpire and Shire of Halls Creek Chief Executive Officer, Peter McConnell, in conjunction with the WACA, has been running an annual super-8s competition for Kimberley teams over the past three years.