The state's highest profile pathway events would usually be held at the Maryborough and District Cricket Association, however the club is struggling to maintain its grounds due to the drought.

So Clunes won approval to host the match.

Clunes Cricket Club secretary Phil McDonald said the Clunes pride was on show and the locals and visitors were out to witness a high standard cricket match.

"There was a hive of activity," he said.

The Clunes cricket ground is being treated with the town's bore water source. The cricket club waters after dark.

The town is on permanent water saving rules, a bonus for the sporting complex.

Mr McDonald said the ground's condition enabled Clunes to pick up some home games in the MDCA.

"From a club position our one senior side is on the top of the ladder in A reserve in the MDCA," he said.

The club hopes to enter the senior side, which has gone into recession for a couple of seasons, into the MDCA A-grade competition next season to complement its A-reserve team.

Club president and curator Barry Goldsmith has put many hours of work into maintaining the ground at Victoria Park.