It’s been a long time coming for St Pat’s, after leaving its old ground Jack Arrow Oval at the end of the 2012 season and playing at the Bathurst Sportsground until the end of last season.

On Sunday, St Pat’s will host Oberon Tigers in all four grades – premier league, first grade, under 18’s and ladies league tag – to blood its new ground which has been named the Jack Arrow Sporting Complex.

However, it will be the Western cluster representative games on Saturday that will herald the new ground before the Group 10 action on Sunday.

St Pat’s secretary Gary Goldsmith said its been many years of dedicated work to finally have the new field.

“The facility is fantastic. A big thank you has to go out to Bathurst Regional Council. They’ve had a vision and a partnership to work with us,” he said.

“This ground will be the envy of the town and many clubs across the Central West. 

“On Sunday we play the premiership favourites in the Oberon Tigers and we’re hoping to come away with a win in all four grades.”

Mr Goldsmith said St Pat’s now have a place they can call “home”. 

He said he cannot emphasis the effort from the team of dedicated volunteers, who helped make the new ground a reality.

“The Bathurst community has been really helpful and there’s a real good feel at the club,” he said.

“The vibe is that we’ll produce something. Maybe not a premiership but build something for the future.” 

Kick-off for premier league on Sunday is at 1.40pm.