Irrigation of the oval was halted in March this year, when drought and rehabilitation of Jervois swamp land forced the closure of a salt channel which had been the club’s main source of water.

Vice president Shawn Hicks said the sports club had been a community hub for 80 years, and meant a lot to the townsfolk.

Consultation with irrigation companies, SA Water and local community groups lead to a decision that the best way to irrigate the oval was to lay a 1.1 kilometre pipeline from the sporting club’s existing pump shed to the river, at a total cost of $45,000.

A number of grants, including from the Murray Bridge council, have been secured, but the club is still short money, and time has become critical in the lead up to summer.

“Construction of the pipeline must begin soon or the playing surface of the oval will become too unsafe and the Jervois cricket season will be cancelled,” Mr Hicks said.

“Damage to the oval will likely result in an unsafe surface during winter also, putting the 2009 football and netball season in jeopardy.”

Mr Hicks said the club was hoping for financial donations or interest-free loans for the pipeline.

Details: Contact Shawn Hicks at the Jervois Combined Sports Club.