Pat Yates Oval named after local hero

Sunday, 3 December 2023

Penrith City Council has officially unveiled the newly named Pat Yates Oval, formerly known as Boronia Cricket Oval, in Boronia Park, North St Marys.

Named in honour of 76-year-old Pat Yates, the naming recognises the contribution that Pat has made to the Penrith cricket community. Pat played an astounding 63 consecutive seasons of cricket up until the 2018/2019 season. During this time, he played for St Nicholas, Emu Plains, Penrith RSL, Panthers and the Colyton St Clair Colts cricket clubs.

In addition to his time as a player, Pat has also contributed to the sport of cricket by serving on multiple club committees. Pat is a Life Member of the Colyton St Clair Cricket Club, a club which he played 500 games with, and is a Life Member of the Nepean District Cricket Association, where he served as President for 23 years.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the recognition was well deserved and an inspiration for future generations of cricket players.

“Pat Yates is a true local hero and has been such an important part of our community for decades. In 2000 Penrith City Council awarded Pat with the Wall of Achievement for Community Services,“ Cr Carney said.

“The naming of Pat Yates Oval is a lasting tribute to his contribution to cricket and community spirit.”

Pat, a grandfather of five, said he was humbled and honoured by the oval naming, and noted the special memories that Boronia Park holds for him and his family.

“The proudest moment was when I played with Adam and Bailey Coleman, my son-in-law and grandson - three generations taking the field together. This is something I will always remember and cherish,” said Pat.

“Boronia Park was where I played my last competition game at the end of season 2018/19 winning ninth grade. It was a great way to end my cricket sporting career.”

Quote attributable to Lee Germon, CEO of Cricket NSW:
“Pat Yates has made an immeasurable contribution to the cricket community, particularly in Penrith, and we thank him for his commitment to our sport. Pat is a great example of the players and volunteers that are the lifeblood of the cricket community, and we congratulate both Pat and Penrith City Council on this honour. Pat Yates Oval is a wonderful, upgraded facility that will no doubt inspire more people to play and love cricket.”

Quote attributable to Jim Micsko, Treasurer of the Nepean District Cricket Association:
“This ceremony acknowledges almost 70 years of involvement in cricket in this district but more importantly, over 40 years of giving back to this great game. Pat’s tireless work in administering, promoting and advocating for all cricketers of every level for such a continuous period of time is really unmatched and this oval renaming is very well-deserved and a wonderful recognition of his sustained dedication and commitment to cricket right across the wider Nepean region.”

Photo captions:
Photo 1: Pat Yates at the newly renamed Pat Yates Oval in Boronia Park, North St Marys.
Photo 2: (L-R) Pat Yates and Penrith Mayor Todd Carney at Pat Yates Oval in Boronia Park, North St Marys.
Photo 3: (L-R) Pat Yates, Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon, Penrith District Cricket Association Treasurer Jim Micsko and Penrith Mayor Todd Carney at Pat Yates Oval, Boronia Park, North St Marys.
Photo 4: Family and friends of Pat Yates join cricket and Penrith City Council representatives to celebrate the renaming of Pat Yates Oval in Boronia Park, North St Marys.
Photo 5: (L-R) Pat and Kerri Yates celebrate the Oval naming with Penrith Mayor Todd Carney.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Sunday, 3 December 2023.