Southern Highlanders have shown major support in naming a Bowral cricket oval after a local cricket great.
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Bowral Blues Cricket Club and supporters have thanked the cricketing and broader community for overwhelming support in response to a proposal to have the club's home ground, Centennial Oval, named after local stalwart, Brian Martin.
Written support has come from leaders and members of local cricket clubs, including Hill Top, Mittagong, Bowral, Moss Vale, Robertson Wingello, Bundanoon and Bowral Blues.
Players who take to fields each summer have been particularly vocal, along with representative coaches and many parents of juniors from across the district.
The Greater Illawarra Cricket Zone and Cricket NSW have also given support.
"The passion and conviction in the written support says it all," Bowral Blues Cricket Club President Ian Pope said.
"So many people from across the district and beyond have put their hearts into this. None of this is surprising given Brian's 25 years of dedication. The case for this proposal is compelling to say the least."
Australian women's player Lauren Cheatle is one of many prominent figures who have provided support.
In her correspondence of support, Lauren says: "From when I was ten years old, and for the next seven or eight years, Brian Martin gave me one on one coaching sessions many times per week. He did this for many of us.
"He never excepted any fee, and his contribution to my development was enormous. Even when not directly involved, he watched many of my rep matches, keeping an eye on my progress.
"His contributions to Highlands, (and especially my) cricket was substantial and I believe naming the cricket oval at Centennial Park, after Brian, to be very important."
Sydney First Grade player Charlie Dummer said he and so many other cricketers were forever thankful to Brian.
"Brian has easily invested over 1,000 hours of his time coaching me in the nets, helping me pursue my cricketing dream," Charlie said.
"Never have I paid Brian for his technical knowledge and time; he has always made it clear that he will help wherever and whenever he can because he cares.
"This not only demonstrates both his passion for the game and his sustained commitment to the development of cricketers within the Highlands, but is also a testament to Brian's character: he genuinely has the best interests of local cricketers at heart."
Former England Test player, one of the world's most prolific cricket coaches and Highlands resident Barry Knight has also provided written support.
"I have watched Centennial Oval grow into a beautiful cricket ground," Barry said.
"I still see Brian watering the ground and tidying up during the week. I have always thought of it as Brian Martin's ground and would find it strange if it was named after anyone else."
Bowral Blues Cricket Club said there was still scope for people to provide written support for the proposal, ahead of the matter being formally submitted to Wingecarribee Shire Council for consideration.
Dated and signed letters and emails can be sent to Michael.Heinecke@norskeskog.com Correspondence can be addressed 'To Whom It May Concern'.
