For junior cricketers, time at the nets is where progress happens. Outside of coaching sessions and weekend matches, practicing at the local cricket nets is a great way to fine-tune skills, build confidence, and enjoy the game with friends.
If you’re based in the Hornsby Shire or The Hills Shire, you’re lucky — both areas have a fantastic range of cricket facilities that juniors and seniors alike can make the most of. Below we’ve rounded up some of the most popular cricket nets in the area, along with tips to help your child get the best from their practice.
Top Cricket Nets in the Hornsby and Hills Shires
1. Mark Taylor Oval, Waitara
- Location: Waitara Ave, Waitara
- Facilities: Indoor nets, large oval
- Why it’s great: Acting as CricketLAB’s base of operations, MTO is the most impressive indoor cricketing facility in Northern Sydney, featuring four astro nets as well as open space upon the playing surface.
*NOTE: Unlike other options on this list, MTO Indoor Centre requires booking and payment to access.
2. James Park, Hornsby
- Location: James Ln, Hornsby
- Facilities: Enclosed modern nets, oval featuring centre wicket
- Why it’s great: 6 recently upgraded modern nets with full run ups, as well as open space upon James Park for fielding/ team trainings
3. Warrina Street Oval, Berowra
- Location: Warrina St, Berowra
- Facilities: Enclosed nets, large oval featuring centre wicket
- Why it’s great: The best option north of Hornsby, Warrina Street has two enclosed nets, alongside the recently upgraded oval.
4. Greenway Park, Cherrybrook
- Location: Shepherds Dr, Cherrybrook
- Facilities: Enclosed nets, large oval featuring centre wicket
- Why it’s great: A popular cricket hub for those based in Pennant Hills and surrounds, Greenway holds 3 enclosed nets as well as vast open space for team training.
5. Auluba Oval, South Turramurra
- Location: Aluba Rd, South Turramurra
- Facilities: Enclosed nets, large oval featuring centre wicket
- Why it’s great: Home of Kissing Point Cricket Club, Aluba features good quality nets with an extremely large playing surface.
6. North Turramurra Recreational Area
- Location: Bobbin Head Rd, North Turramurra
- Facilities: Enclosed modern nets, large oval featuring centre wicket
- Why it’s great: Recently upgraded facilities make NTRA stand out as a high quality practice facility, with arguably the best practice nets in the Hornsby Shire.
7. Montview Oval, Hornsby Heights
- Location: Montview Parade, Hornsby Heights
- Facilities: Semi-enclosed nets, extremely large playing fields with 2x centre wickets
- Why it’s great: Brilliant location for team trainings due to the vast open space, whilst also acting as a hub for cricket in Hornsby Heights.
.8. Normanhurst Oval
- Location: Normanhurst Rd, Normanhurst
- Facilities: Enclosed nets, large oval with centre wicket
- Why it’s great: An iconic local oval which has been serving the Normanhurst cricketing community for many years.
How Coaching and Nets Go Hand-in-Hand
While local nets are brilliant for regular practice, structured coaching helps young players know what to focus on when they’re there. At our coaching sessions, we give players the techniques, drills, and confidence they need — so their individual time at the nets is more productive and enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
The Hornsby Shire is home to some of Sydney’s best community cricket facilities. From the history of Mark Taylor Oval to the modern facilities at North Turramurra, there’s no shortage of places for young cricketers to train, play, and improve their game.
If your child enjoys spending time at the nets and you’d like to see their skills grow even further, get in touch with us today to learn more about our coaching programs.