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Former Groundsman Ready For Biggest Challenge of Career

March 8, 2017/in Press Release/by Admin

Former Aorangi Oval groundsman Mike Davies has one major goal. That aim is to make University Oval, his new workplace, the best cricket ground in the county. “I work with a great team here in Dunedin, Dunedin Venues Management Limited, the Dunedin City Council and Otago Cricket all want the same thing, for the University […]

Bigger is better for SALTEX 2017 exhibitors

March 7, 2017/in Press Release/by Admin

Based on the success of SALTEX 2016, an increasing number of exhibitors are looking to extend their profile at the UK’s biggest and most influential turf care event, which will be held on 1 and 2 November at the NEC, Birmingham. According to show organisers a record number of exhibitors have already re-booked for 2017, […]

Former Groundsman Ready For Biggest Challenge of Career

March 8, 2017/in Press Release/by Admin

Bigger is better for SALTEX 2017 exhibitors

March 7, 2017/in Press Release/by Admin

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Former Groundsman Ready For Biggest Challenge of Career

March 8, 2017/in Press Release/by Admin

Former Aorangi Oval groundsman Mike Davies has one major goal.

That aim is to make University Oval, his new workplace, the best cricket ground in the county.

“I work with a great team here in Dunedin, Dunedin Venues Management Limited, the Dunedin City Council and Otago Cricket all want the same thing, for the University Oval to be New Zealand’s best cricket ground and I’m pleased to be working with them to try and achieve that.”

Davies, originally from Christchurch, moved to Timaru to take a golf development role, before being asked to assist with the grounds keeping duties at Levels Golf Club.

“It all just went from there and the rest is history.”

Going from Levels Golf Course in Timaru, then to the town’s small ground like Aorangi Oval,before venturing to Invercargill’s Queens Park last season, has Davies perched at a place where he will face just about the biggest test of all – University Oval in Dunedin.

New Zealand and South Africa face off in the first of three tests on Wednesday, the fifth ranked nation hosting the third best.

In the past, University Oval has been known as a docile pitch, so what Davies prepares for his international debut is sure to be well monitored.

“I’m not nervous. I’m excited at the challenge in front of me. I want to make this ground the best I can.”

Davies is like a kid in a brand new playground ahead of the opening test on Wednesday.

“I can’t wait for them to start playing. It has been tough at times but the last couple of weeks the weather has come right right and really helped me out.”

The 41-year-old is loving life as a groundsman at a bigger venue.

“It’s awesome, I work with a great bunch of people, and they’re all passionate about the same thing.”

.After six years as part time groundsman at Aorangi Oval, he moved to the greener pastures of Invercargill, a place he loved.

“Invercargill was great to me.

“It was my first time as a fulltime groundsman and I just loved it. The weather was a challenge but it was a nice ground and the [Otago] Volts had a good record down there.”

His results were good in Invercargill and the wickets were top quality.

“I’ll always remember Timaru and Invercargill fondly. They’ve helped me get to where I am and were great places to improve my knowledge.”

Weather conditions in Dunedin had made his first season difficult, with the grass weak, however plenty of sun during the last few weeks has given Davies something to work with.

As for the result, he’d love a New Zealand win but his focus is making sure the pitch is competitive for the entire contest and offers something to both the batsmen and bowlers.

“I just want a good game of cricket that sees plenty of people turn up and it goes the five days.

“Making it even for both is a challenge but as the pitch is made from Kakanui clay, the same as what Aorangi Oval and Queens Park used, I think I’ll be fine.”

Currently he’s loving Dunedin, and is hopeful he can entice New Zealand Cricket to bring more matches to the recently revamped ground with a top cricket wicket.

“I’m preparing a pitch for a team like South Africa, about to get married and recently welcomed a bay boy into the world, so Dunedin is great.”

He said with his industry being relatively small, plenty of groundsmen pass things on.

“I’ve just had Karl Johnson from Seddon Park down here helping me, while Jayden [Tohill] from the New Zealand Cricket high performance centre in Lincoln is also helping out.

“We bounce things off each other and that’s a great thing.”

Davies loved Timaru and said working for South Canterbury Cricket was great.

“I left because I wanted to do first-class games and Aorangi wasn’t getting any, but the South Canterbury Cricket Association were an awesome bunch to work for.”

As for a job at Hagley Oval back in his home town, Davies wasn’t interested.

“University Oval is where I want to be, and I have plenty to achieve here and a great company to work with.”

To read the original article, click here

Bigger is better for SALTEX 2017 exhibitors

March 7, 2017/in Press Release/by Admin

According to show organisers a record number of exhibitors have already re-booked for 2017, and now it has been revealed that many have or are looking to increase their stand space.

Collectively, a number of exhibitors such as Etesia UK, Overton UK, Bomford Turner, Roberine, EP Barrus, Baron UK, Ego, Techneat, SIS Pitches UK, HillTip, T H White Machinery Imports and Bituchem Asphalt have acquired more than 300 additional square metres.

Commenting on SIS Pitches UK’s decision to enlarge its presence at SALTEX, Phil Blackwell – projects director, said: “2016 was our second year at SALTEX. As the industry continues to evolve, we predict it to continue to be a highlight of our trade shows and exhibitions calendar, as shows like this are a great way of exhibiting our patented technology. It was great to see a diverse range of visitors, groundsmen and sports managers who were very interested in how the industry and products have evolved in recent years and how they could benefit from the new technologies now available.

“We believe this is an event you have to be part of if you are in the sports turf market.”
Echoing Phil’s thoughts was Timothy Lane, divisional director for T H White Machinery Imports: “We have been attending SALTEX for many years as a dealer and will continue to do so. However 2016 was our first time exhibiting as the main importer for Ferris Mowers and Wright Mowers. We have now expanded our product offering with the full remote control range from Spider and for this reason we have decided to increase our stand space at SALTEX 2017.”

Charles Neale, event sales executive for SALTEX, says extra stand space has become a growing trend this year.

“It has been extremely encouraging to see so many exhibitors book extra stand space for SALTEX 2017. Many have pointed to reasons such as the great quality, quantity and diversity of visitors as well as strong lead generation. There are also at least 12 additional companies who are also currently interested in purchasing extra stand space.
“In addition, we have also welcomed a large number of new exhibitors who will be making their debut this year.”

SALTEX 2017 will be held at the NEC, Birmingham on 1 and 2 November 2017.

For more information visit www.iogsaltex.com

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Former Groundsman Ready For Biggest Challenge of Career

Bigger is better for SALTEX 2017 exhibitors

Former Groundsman Ready For Biggest Challenge of Career

Bigger is better for SALTEX 2017 exhibitors

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Former Groundsman Ready For Biggest Challenge of Career

Bigger is better for SALTEX 2017 exhibitors

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