CRICKETERS could be granted one final innings to ensure that an historic recreation ground can celebrate its 100th anniversary.

The sport was due to be relocated from Winton recreation ground at the end of this season - the 99th year Cricket has been played at the ground.

But following an outcry from local cricketers, the council is proposing a compromise that would allow them to play on in Winton for one final season.

Councillors will meet on Thursday, November 10 to discuss the proposal, which would see cricket teams displaced from the ground and accommodated at other council sites for the 2007 season.

If they agree to the amended schedule, work on creating a replacement cycle track for the Bournemouth Arrows will begin in autumn 2006 and should be finished by summer 2007.

Roger Brown, head of leisure services, said: "After recent correspondence and the discussion with the cricket league, we realised that marking the ground's 100th anniversary is a very important event for those who have played for many years at Winton recreation ground."

But Warwick Rust, secretary of the Bournemouth Evening Cricket League, said they would continue to press for the creation of a new cricket pitch on the other side of Winton pavilion.

"We want something in its place, quid pro quo," he said. "Winton recreation ground is a great venue, with a purpose-built pavilion and terracing for spectators.

"If it goes, we will lose cricket entirely from that geographical location and we think that will be a very sad day for Bournemouth.

"Winton rec to cricketers is an institution that has been here for 100 years and has a lot of life left in it."

First published: November 8, 2005