Fair Oak will have four adult teams, plus a host of juniors sides, playing at Lapstone Park in 2025, with Southern Premier League matches being played on a brand new square in front of the 1998-built pavilion which will then become fully operational.

Work is already underway on a revamp of the ground, funded by Eastleigh Borough Council through developer contributions, with the full support of Fair Oak Parish Council and endorsed by the ECB Facilities Team, writes Mike Vimpany.

The project includes two cricket squares, a two-lane net practice facility, a new pitch-side pavilion for the second square, with associated landscaping to make the best use of the available space.

Both cricket squares have already been installed, complete with an irrigation system. Maintenance plans are in place for the next 12 months. 

Each square has an artificial non-turf surface, with the two-lane practice net expected to be completed in the near future. 

To ensure disruption to football provision is minimised, one soccer pitch has moved west and another relocated to the adjoining Wyvern School.

The landscaping has been timed to ensure there is no clash to either sport and the ecological requirements in the area. This landscaping is planned for April/May 2024.

Fair Oak will continue to play Southern Premier Division 2 and Hampshire League Division 2 matches on the existing Lapstone Park pitch in 2024 whilst the new squares settle.

Former Hampshire county groundsman Nigel Gray and Hampshire's ECB pitch advisor Chris Westbrook have provided invaluable support during project development and construction which bodes well for the long-term future of Fair Oak cricket.