Club shines under lights

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
WOORI Yallock Sports Club has enshrined itself in the history books after holding the first night game in the Yarra Valley under lights.
With recent upgrades costing more than $200,000, the club had plenty to celebrate with the unveiling of the lights and the opening of a new second-storey deck, allowing spectators a clearer view of the game.
The three user groups of the club, Woori Yallock’s senior and junior football, netball and cricket clubs have also been donated heaters for the new decking, and a defibrillator for emergency situations.
President of the Woori Yallock Football Netball Club Ray Gregson said the club was able to get funding for the lights, but added that the deck was from their own expense.
He said the cost of the deck was significantly reduced with free labour and materials offered. In addition, the Woori Yallock District Community Bank donated $25,000 and the clubs pitched in $30,000.
“One person who put in many hours was Shane Collette (president of the junior clubs) – every time I drove past, I saw his truck here,” he said.
Local football historian and life member Ivan Ferguson said it was fantastic that spectators could admire the view.
“Woori is one of the oldest clubs and we used to play on Syme’s flats in different paddocks,” he said.
“When I started playing in the late ’40s and my father was the Shire councillor, he helped it become Shire property, and now we can admire what’s out there from the new deck.”
Mr Gregson said funding for the lights, which totalled $150,000, came from the State Government, the Yarra Ranges Council, the WYDCOM bank and the clubs. However, he said, no representative from the shire turned up to officially turn on the lights, causing disappointment during the ceremony.
The game, however, did go ahead and Mr Gregson said, Woori Yallock’s seniors had a sweet victory, winning the night game by 14 goals.
“It was a really good result and everyone enjoyed the concept of the night game,” he said.
“The players thought it was a lot better and we were really happy with the crowd, especially since a lot of players from other clubs called in on their way home.”
Another announcement at Saturday’s match was the donation of a $3000 defibrillator to the sports club from Junior Football Club treasurer Rob Thompson’s mother Marg Thompson. The donation follows the passing away of Silvan footballer Vincent Bonanno on field because there was no defibrillator on site.
“It’s not just for the boys on the ground, but the parents and grandparents who come to watch a game, probably all clubs should have one,” Mr Gregson said.