Thursday, February 13, 2025

Arthurton Oval’s enduring appeal

Recent stories

Wilson McShane, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

Fifteen years after a turf pitch was established at Arthurton Oval, the venue has never looked better, says Arthurton curator Ross “Rosco” Atkinson.

Before he took over as the oval’s curator, Rosco oversaw the Arthurton bowling green for 27 years; however, this has now been replaced with artificial turf.

“When they pulled the bowling green up it was about the same time the (cricket) boys decided to put a turf wicket down,” Rosco said.

“They said ‘How do you reckon you’ll go doing some turf pitches now you’ve finished with the bowling green?’

“And so, I went down and saw my old mate (former Adelaide Oval curator) Les (Burdett), and at the time they were putting new pitches down in Glenelg so he took me down there and showed me what was going on.”

Since football stopped being played on Arthurton Oval in 2006, clubrooms, a picket fence and cricket nets have been established.

The Arthurton complex also has tennis and basketball courts, a bowling green and a playground, plus the entrance arch is also a memorial for local soldiers.

With these upgrades, Rosco said Arthurton’s oval was special for visitors and the locals to play on.

“Everybody loves coming here to play.

“We’ve had association games here … and they just come up here and love it.”

After 42 years as Arthurton’s turf guru, the 76-year-old said his passion had not dwindled.

“Oh, I love it. There’s nothing better than to come out and spend a day out here and sink a couple of cans,” Rosco said.

He explained that, while the pitch was in great condition, it took a week to prepare, while he monitored the weather, watered the turf, rolled the pitch and mowed the grass to 7mm (previously 4mm).

“I’m looking to create a bit of pace, bounce and spin. I leave a tinge of green on there for the spinners but you want a thick crust … and if then if you poke a screwdriver down there (pointing at the pitch) that would be doughy.

“That is where the bowlers all get their bounce from, because the doughy stuff underneath the crust sort of acts a bit like a spring.

“It hits the hard crust and the spongey stuff underneath gives it a bit of fire off.”

Rosco said about 150 acres of farmland surrounding the town was leased to Arthurton Progress Association, which helped fund the sporting complex including the cricket oval.  

Yorke Peninsula Country Times 17 December 2024

This article appeared in  Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 17 December 2024.

KEEP IN TOUCH

Sign up for updates from Australian Rural & Regional News

Manage your subscription

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

For all the news from Yorke Peninsula Country Times, go to https://www.ypct.com.au

Latest stories from Yorke Peninsula Country Times on ARR.News