Border Mail | WODONGA Bulldogs are poised to win a battle stretching back more than a decade to remain at Martin Park.
A contentious option for them to leave their home of more than 60 years and become co-tenants of Birallee Park with arch-rival Wodonga Raiders is set to be scrapped.
The co-tenancy arrangement with Raiders was one option under consideration by Wodonga Council following the release of a blueprint for future sporting facilities in the city last year.
Consultants briefed the two clubs this week on future plans for their grounds with both told informally a proposal to share Birallee Park was off the table.
Earlier consultants reports carried out for the council in 2003 and 2007 recommending the redevelopment or replacement of the Martin Park changerooms and grandstand as a priority failed to be acted upon.
Bulldogs president Rob Groat said the club was determined to stay at Martin Park with the installation of an electronic scoreboard the latest improvements to be carried out at the ground.
"The indication is we will be staying put, which is a relief to all associated with the club," Mr Groat said.
A recent survey conducted by The Border Mail confirmed Wodonga had the worst facilities in the Ovens and Murray league.
The Raiders were also strongly opposed to the co-tenancy arrangement.
The Bulldogs' replacement electronic scoreboard will make its debut at the club's home game against Wangaratta tomorrow.
The $80,000 project has been co-ordinated by committeeman Peter Russell.
"It is 5m x 4m at the moment, but when we go to 7m x 4m next year it will be the biggest in country Victoria," he said.
The council's sport and recreation manager, Jenelle Williamson, conceded "some difficulties" had emerged with the co-tenancy option.
"The formal process is not complete and the council's final position is to be determined by councillors at a future meeting," she said.
Cricket will return to Martin Park No. 1 this summer with Wodonga Bulldogs' senior and junior teams, Wodonga Saints and the Jets all abilities team also using the ground.
