The memorial oval named after noted Beachport cricketer Dick McIntyre is set to be absorbed into the Beachport Golf Club.


Its date was decided on Tuesday night at the monthly meeting of Wattle Range Council.


The Beachport Oval was renamed in McIntyre’s honour in 1998 and this came two years after his death at the age of 61.


Cricket has not been played there for several years while Beachport’s football team went into recess almost 60 years ago.


The staff recommendation to endorse the modified Beachport Golf Club lease was endorsed but made no reference to retaining the Dick McIntyre Memorial Oval name.


Councillor Sharon Cox suggested the wooden sign erected 26 years ago to honour McIntyre should be retained and be written into the lease.


“These are my thoughts as well,” Mayor Des Noll said.


Council deputy chief executive Paul Duka said he would raise the matter with the Beachport Golf Club.


“Do we need a motion?” asked Cr Cox.


Cr John Drew is a retired educator and had taken school sporting groups to that area.


“It will become unavailable for schools,” Cr Drew said.


“Have we checked with the schools?”


Mr Duka said the area was no longer used by schools while council chief executive Ben Gower said it was currently in use as a fairway.


Cr Drew suggested a vote on the lease be delayed for a month to allow time to consult with Beachport Primary School.


Cr Richard Cassidy said the school had developed another area for outdoor play during his time on the school’s governing council.


During his working life, Mr McIntyre was a labourer, council worker and farmer.


The highest of his many centuries was 193 made in 2.5 hours.


At the age of 39, he shared the record club partnership of 169 with late politician, the Honorable Terry Roberts.


The Beachport Cricket Club honored Mr McIntyre with life membership in 1986.


Former Millicent District Cricket Association player, umpire and administrator “Fred” Smith had written to the council seeking retention of the McIntyre name.