The Maitland Pickers are expecting a huge crowd for the annual Harry Hofman memorial game and the Pickers Old Boys day despite the new Maitland Sportsground not being available.
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The Pickers had planned to hold the two events to coincide with their first game at the new Maitland Sportsground, however the celebrations which coincide with the Pickers first home game against Cessnock will proceed at Coronation Oval.
Pickers president Frank Lawler said unfortunately the new ground would not be available but he urged fans to get along to Coronation Oval for what were always two big events on the club’s calendar.
“At this stage, a date for regular games to commence has not been decided,” Lawler said. “The playing surface is still establishing with additional surface treatments scheduled for early June.
“Council is also still in the process of finalising operational and emergency procedures for the new grandstand, which must be signed off and tested before the facilities are made available.
“Council will continue to review and assess the playing surface to determine and advise when the facility will be ready for regular use.”
Lawler said a special ceremony would be held before the start of the reserves game (1.30pm) to honour former reserves player Harry Hofman, who died suddenly in October 2014, from a ruptured spleen, the result of Epstein Barr Virus. Harry was just two months short of his 19th birthday.
Pickers Old Boys from the 1977, 1983 and 2010 grand final teams who played against Cessnock will present the current first grade squad with their jumpers before the first grade match.
Old Boys president Pat Warby said the past players would also celebrate the achievements of three Maitland stars of the future Jock Sullivan, Sam Jones and Jye Bieman-King who have been selected in the NSW Country under-18 team.
Warby said it was a tradition for the Old Boys to provide financial support to young players as they embarked on their careers.
Saturday kicks off at 11.10am with the Ladies League Tag.