New Milton edging closer to new Fernhill ground

The end of a decade of planning is nearly in sight as Southern Electric Premier Division 3 club New Milton prepares to relocate its Headquarters from Ashley to the newly developed Fernhill Sports Ground.

The ground has two cricket pitches with pavilion and scoring facilities. The overall atmosphere is private, fairly enclosed, and the main ground has been built to a high specification.

It is anticipated that visitors will enjoy playing there in the years to come. From New Milton's point of view, the move provides fresh impetus for those coming through the Colts section. In future, no limitation need be put on their progress by lack of top class facilities.

New Milton president John Dodd has paid a public tribute to New Milton Town Council for its visionary approach to sports facility provision, not only to cricket, but also for soccer, rugby and bowls.

"It is difficult to believe that any Council anywhere has gone to greater lengths to provide opportunities for its young people.

"I am sure all the sports are conscious of the need to play their part by extending participation and further developing their coaching structures," says Dodd, whose New Milton club hopes to be able to offer opponents the opportunity to play on the new Fernhill ground from the end of July, subject to League approval.