A fungal disease has been uncovered at one of the ovals at the Merrifield Recreation Reserve.
Hume council inspected the southern oval following concerns about uneven turf raised by Merrifield Panthers Cricket Club president Harman Bhathal.
Mr Bhathal said the uneven turf has been causing injuries since the start of the cricket season.
“The oval is only three-years-old … it’s brand-new but very uneven,” he said.
“It’s dangerous … and when juniors are playing it’s even more concerning for us.”
Mr Bhathal said the council applied a top dressing to the turf at the end of the football season, but the issue persisted.
“Every player was still getting injuries … and tripping themselves while running on the pitch,” he said,
“When somebody hits the ball … you never know if it’s going to come to your hand or to your face.”
After Mr Bhathal raised the issue again, council officers and an independent turf consultant inspected the oval and found a fungal disease.
Hume council infrastructure and assets director Danielle Prentice said fungal diseases can occur during summer months.
“The issue was detected early and an appropriate fungicide treatment has been applied,” she said.
Ms Prentice said the council will support the oval recovery by continuing to strengthen the turf.
“We are undertaking additional measures including fertilising, applying a wetting agent and aeration works.
“While some discolouration may be visible in the short term… the ground remains safe and suitable for active sport.”
She said council officers will continue to closely monitor conditions and take further action if required.
Mr Bhathal said the cricket club uses the southern oval the most, and hopes his teams and visiting teams can play safely on the turf.
