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Ready for a bumper year of backyard cricket? This summer, we’re all about bringing the sporting stories to your backyard, giving you all the tips and tricks for a brilliant backyard cricket tournament.
The first step was to create your pitch and stumps, so now it’s time to get your oval ready for spectators.
In this project, we’re going to introduce some stadium styling for all your cricketing fans, as well as the all-important scoreboard. To bring these elements to life, you’re going to need some basic D.I.Y. materials, as well as some screws, tape measure and power drill. You’ll also need to explore Bunnings’ outdoor furniture department for your stadium, picking out something to sit on, soft furnishings, an umbrella or other shading option and of course, an esky to keep drinks cool.
We’re going to use a chalkboard to create the scoreboard. First, we need to measure where our lines will go. Working horizontally down the board, we’ll need one thin rectangle at the top, and then four even rectangles.
Using your tape measure, make a mark where you want the paint to go and tape the edge of where it should go. Then, run the tape along each of these marks to add your lines.
The thin rectangle is for your heading – you could add your family name, the word “scoreboard”, or the name of your series.
The rectangles will have the following labels: runs, wickets, overs and target. But we’re not adding these just yet!
If you don’t have a chalkboard, you can make your own with chalkboard paint and a piece of wood.
Before you start painting, you’ll need to sand the scoreboard first. This will allow the paint to stick to the blackboard better.
Lay down your drop sheet in preparation for painting. Using white paint and a brush, paint the lines. Apply two coats.
Remove the tape before the paint dries and leave to dry.
When the paint is dry, flip the board over and using liquid nails or wood glue, glue a piece of timber to the top of the board. Leave to dry.
Then, using your drill and screws, attach a butt hinge to the top of a second piece of timber that’s long enough to hold the board upright. It should be the same length as your board – so if the board is 1.2m, use a piece of timber that’s also 1.2m. Using a butt hinge means it won’t fold all the way out and collapse.
Chock up the timber so it is flush with the cross timber. Then, attach the butt hinge to the horizontal piece on the back of chalkboard so that you have a stand!
Writing with chalk, add the scoring categories, one for each rectangle: runs, wickets, overs and target.
You could also use self-adhesive letters if you have them.
Once your scoreboard is all set up, you’ll need someone to operate it! Make sure your fans are comfortable with the perfect spectator set-up. Depending on your space, you can add an outdoor umbrella with bean bags or chairs, or a picnic rug with an esky to keep drinks cool. And of course, what’s a game of backyard cricket without a teatime break? Make sure players and spectators are well-fed by firing up the BBQ!
Start your scoreboard project by exploring our range of chalkboard paint.
