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 Soccer ground `too hard' 

Soccer ground `too hard'

27 Jun, 2006 11:35 AM
DAYLESFORD and Hepburn United Soccer Club is without a home ground after the Daylesford Secondary College pitch was deemed unsuitable by Ballarat and District Soccer Association.

The BDSA closed the pitch saying it was "too dangerous to play on".

BDSA president Steve Briggs said the association inspected the pitch before a match and it was considered to be too hard, mostly because of the dry weather conditions.

"It's not in very good condition. It is very tough with a cricket pitch in the middle of the ground," he said.

Two players were seriously injured on the pitch during matches on June 3.

Senior player Nick Jansen is recovering from a broken collarbone, while under-13 player Eve Vanzetta is recovering from a broken elbow.

Mr Briggs said it was difficult to say whether the ground contributed to the injuries.

"The hardness of the ground would contribute to any injury but the level of impact is hard to measure," he said.

The Daylesford and United Soccer Club has temporarily moved its games to the home ground of the Forest Rangers in Wendouree.

"Unfortunately the school hasn't got the facilities to back it (the pitch) up. It has nothing to do with the club but (it has to do with) who provides the facility," Mr Briggs said.

"Councils have a better input into grounds. The City of Ballarat conducts a hardness test every couple of weeks on its grounds."

There was no response from the council when asked whether Victoria Park may be used by the club as a home ground.

Daylesford and Hepburn United Soccer Club spokeswoman Caroline Stone said grounds in Ballarat were also hard because of the weather.

"It's not just in Daylesford," she said.

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OUT OF ACTION: Nick Jansen contemplates weeks away from soccer as he nurses his broken collar bone.
OUT OF ACTION: Nick Jansen contemplates weeks away from soccer as he nurses his broken collar bone.

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