THE Oberon Tigers have had a win even before the Group 10 season kicks off.
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The club will be getting a new digital scoreboard and communications room upgrade at its home ground thanks to a grant from the NSW Government – and Tigers president Ian Christie-Johnston says it will make a big difference.
“The old clock has been quite contentious with players arguing that the clock is different to the referee’s and counting down the time of a sin bin,” he said.
“Our scoreboard is manual, where you have to slot the scores in. That proved to be reliable, but it requires a volunteer to be there changing it.”
Mr Christie-Johnston said the upgrade would be “a great boost for the Oberon region and we’ll be able to host major rugby league carnivals”.
“We’ll endeavour to get something happening sooner rather than later, but these upgrades will be a process throughout the season,” he said.
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Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said Oberon Council would receive a Stronger Country Communities Fund grant of $94,411 for the upgrades, which will allow the club to comply with the best-practice guidelines of the sport’s governing body.
“The new scoreboard will also provide an income stream for the Tigers thanks to digital advertising on game day,” he said.
“Oberon’s sporting culture is part and parcel of the local community, with rugby league having a great following during the winter months as the Tigers have more than 100 registered junior players, about 90 senior players and a loyal band of supporters.
“This grant also helps showcase local businesses and shows that Oberon is willing to invest in facilities, without constantly asking for sponsorship funds.
“It will also foster pride and a sense of ownership of the ground among residents, and enable Oberon to be promoted outside the district, with the township being able to provide facilities to attract major sporting events, including Country Rugby League representative fixtures.”
Mr Toole said the upgrades will also provide a facility that can be used throughout the year by all sporting groups as well as non-sporting groups and for community events.
