Pit Paddock, Cessnock

The Pit Paddock, Cessnock was the home ground of Cessnock for 10 years until it lost the ground in 1930. Cessnock was formed in 1907 and became a powerhouse of football in NSW. Cessnock's first home ground was a large vacant piece of land near Aberdare Park. The club was called the Cessnock Starlights and its shirt was black and green hops. Years later, Cessnock secured the Pit Paddock, which was part of the Aberdare Extended Colliery land in south Cessnock as its home ground. The club did not have control of the land but nevertheless undertook various ground improvements, including fencing, seating and improvement to the playing surface. Unfortunately, in April 1930, the club was advised by the colliery that the area would no longer be available for matches (Labor Daily (Sydney, NSW : 1924 - 1938), Wednesday 23 April 1930, page 3).