Back in the ball game

By Tania Martin
HILLS soccer stars will soon feel the pitch squeeze ease with the launch of a new synthetic playing surface in Monbulk on Sunday.
For years both the Monbulk Soccer Club and the Sherbrooke Ranges Junior Soccer Club have been fighting for extra pitch space.
In a bid to fight the growing problem, the two clubs have now amalgamated.
The club will now be known as the Monbulk Ranges Soccer Club and will be launched as part of the official opening of the newly constructed synthetic pitch at the Moores Road ground.
Both clubs were thrilled last September when a $600,000 cash boost was given to the long-awaited pitch refurbishment.
For more than four years, they had been battling the lack of pitches in the hills as interest in the game rose.
In September, Sports Minister and Monbulk Labor MP James Merlino announced a $300,000 State Government injection into the project. It was matched by the Shire of Yarra Ranges as part of its 2009-10 budget.
A day not to missed will be held at the ground on Sunday to celebrate the long-awaited opening of the ground.
Games will be held from 9am to 7pm but one of the main highlights of the day will be when the Victoria Police Soccer Club takes on the Monbulk Ranges Rascals.