Greerton Cricket Club's home is getting a long-awaited and well-deserved facelift with new cricket nets recently being opened to the public ahead of summer.

The club's nets at Pemberton Park had fallen into a state of disrepair with both the surface and netting, or fencing in this case, having seen better days.

Greerton Cricket Club's president Ben Lind feels the new facilities were worth the wait.

'It's been a long time coming. It's fantastic, we've been training away from home, so it's been hard. 'That's where our hearts are and that's where the team does really well.”

Ben feels the new nets are also great for junior teams and development. 'We have 10 teams competing in the Western Bay competition. The nets are already jam-packed with juniors. I mean, you can come down anytime on the weekend and there will be kids in there.”

The project was made possible through a $34,845 grant each from TECT and Grassroots Trust.

Greerton Cricket Club's premier captain Pip Thickpenny believes being able to train at home is great for team morale.

'Pemberton Park has always been a big part of Greerton Cricket Club and being able to go to our own facility every week and use our own grounds is just good for the team culture.

'I think it's quite local to everyone and a lot more so than Tauranga Boys' College. We're just thrilled to have it up and running.”

Pip says the old nets had become hazardous. 'They were pretty dangerous. On a good cricketer's length, the nets' pitches had holes and bumps in the turf.

'When the balls bounced some would come through at head height and some would come through at shin height – not ideal for training. It's a lot safer now,” says Pip.

Greerton Cricket Club would like to thank TECT and Grassroots Trust for their contributions as well as previous club president Steve Wineti, who spearheaded the move to build the new facilities.

TECT trustee Pete Blackwell says the cricket nets will be enjoyed by the community for many years to come.

'We're pleased our funding has helped make this project possible. We recognise the important role the fully volunteer-run club plays in encouraging active lifestyles and social involvement in the community, as well as fostering young talent. The nets are available to all of the community and have already proved popular since their installation.”