It will be a bitter-sweet moment at Mount Burr on February 18 when the upgraded lights at Mick and Jean Walker Oval are used for the first time in a competitive game.

The $150,000 project has chiefly been funded by government grants and the lights will be a godsend for the Mozzie footballers when they go about their training in winter.

However, it will be a cricket match to debut the lights on February 18.

The tragic death from pancreatic cancer in 2019 of 30-year-old Mount Burr sportsman Bryce Pollard will be recalled on this occasion.

Some of his former teammates will take part in a cricket match in his memory for the third consecutive year. The light-hearted T20 match involves current cricketers and footballers from the two Mount Burr clubs.

It will commence at 5.30pm after the regular game in the Millicent/Naracoorte Cricket Association.

Bryce represented both Mount Burr sporting clubs each summer and winter and was a popular figure with the Mozzies.

The first such memorial match was played in 2021.

The actual trophy is the cricket bat once wielded by him.

Some of his former teammates are again expected to travel 450km from Adelaide to take part in the T20 cricket match.

Sue Pollard, mother of Bryce, said the timing of the match on a Saturday will possibly increase the number of travellers from the capital city. She said the use of the new lights will also be a drawcard.

“They were switched on for the first time when Mount Burr United Football Club staged a pre-Christmas dinner for 80 people,” Ms Pollard said.

“Father Christmas was also present to greet the kids.

“Everyone was really impressed by the lights.”

Prior to the delivery of the first ball on February 18, speeches of tribute to Bryce will made on the hallowed turf.

In a poignant gesture, Bryce’s photo and his cricket gear and football guernsey will be displayed at the Can Hill viewing area.

As before, the match will also be a fundraiser for the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation and the public are welcome to attend.