And, they didn’t just belong to the young cricketers who took the field for the under-10 showdown at the venue – for the first time in almost 12 months.

The Muswellbrook Junior Cricket Club committee members made no secret of their delight either.

“The field has been out of commission since the end of last season,” president Peter Cooper said.

“We’ve had no water at Volunteer Park for a while now.

“But, our committee members – former and current – have campaigned [to Muswellbrook Shire Council] over the past three years for something to happen.

“I’m glad to say a new irrigation system was completed on November 28. 

“So, it’s great to use the ground again.

“We’re all very pleased.

“Even though the field is still only 80 per cent usable, junior cricket is back at Volunteer Park.”

Cooper also took time to praise council for its commitment to the $70,000 project.

“We appreciate their efforts to finally get it through,” he said.

“Council’s been copping it a bit lately [about the state of the shire’s grounds], but they’re also doing some good stuff.

“At least we’ve now got safe playing conditions for the youngsters.

“And, they love playing here.

“There are only four rounds remaining in 2017-18, but we’ll utilise Volunteer Park as much as we can.”