Bruce Purser Oval hosts historic day/night Green Shield clash between Parramatta and Hawkesbury
Hills reps have made history with Parramatta as they clashed with Hawkesbury in the first ever day/night Green Shield match
Hills Shire
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Not even the scorching 42 degree conditions could spoil the occasion on Thursday as Parramatta and Hawkesbury’s Green Shield sides met at Bruce Purser Oval to play in the competition’s first ever day/night game.
While Parramatta, made up of representatives from the Rouse Hill Rams and Baulkham Hills Cricket Clubs, took the honours with a four-wicket victory, the end result was ultimately overshadowed by the sheer magnitude of the event, which Parramatta Cricket Academy director Matt Roughan hailed as a “great success.”
“It was a great day.
“There would have been around 150 people there and there was a real carnival atmosphere about it, which we don’t really get at Green Shield games.
“Then when the lights came on, that’s when it really felt unique.”
For Parramatta and its affiliate Sydney Shires club the North West Hurricanes, the historic game was two years in the making.
“We tried last year to do it but struggled to find a partner willing to participate,” Mr Roughan said.
“Finally this year we were fortunate Hawkesbury came on board and were very enthusiastic.
“That made the big difference in getting it across the line.”
Mr Roughan added that plans are already underway to play more day/night games in 2018.
“I’m certain given how well it worked this year that we’ll play at least one next year.
“We’ve even proposed to run it every year as our season opener.”