The facility, named after an Orange cricket icon, was opened on Monday.

CYMS president Gerard Hannelly said it was stage two of a long term plan.

“It is fantastic to finally have this facility as a training base after a long period of planning and raising funds both from within our own club as well as from outside sources,” he said.

“So far we have the new pitch and this initial pair of nets. We will now commence raising funds for a further pair of nets then finally a storage and amenities block.”

Orange District Junior Cricket Association president David Cumming said it extended the link between junior cricket and schools.

“The nets as well as the new pitch that was opened last year will be invaluable to current and future junior cricketers,” he said.

Orange mayor Reg Kidd said it was supported by council which was aware of the time and effort donated by volunteers.

“It’s very fitting that this facility is named in honor of Jack Moroney. He was a real icon of the cricket scene here in Orange,” he said.

Mr Moroney’s grandson, Derek Johns, said it was a proud day for the family.

“He was very passionate about cricket and he put a lot of time into helping juniors in his later years,” he said.

James Sheahan Catholic High School principal Peter Meers said it would benefit the whole Orange cricket community.

“When we were first approached I was very keen for our school to be involved in the development of this new facility,” he said.

“It is not only a wonderful asset for CYMS cricket club, but also for cricket as a whole in Orange.

“[It] is a tribute to a wonderful state and national representative, the late Jack Moroney.”

Matt Tabbernor, representing Cricket NSW, said it was happy to help build grassroots facilities for cricket.

“Mitchell Cricket Council and Western Zone were also happy to help out to ensure this project was able to go ahead,” he said.

Harry Edwards of Edwards Excavation and Landscaping which built the nets said it was an interesting project.

“It was challenging at times but certainly rewarding when you see the final product,” he said.