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Flood Water Just A “Big Puddle”

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Flood Water Just A “Big Puddle”: Tim Packwood, head groundsman at Worcestershire CCC, has seen plenty of floods during his 29 years on the club’s staff. This one, he says, is just a “big puddle”.

With the county’s first home game of the Championship season just three short weeks away, New Road’s location on a floodplain has come back to haunt the Pears again, with the overflow feeding back across the ground to leave 95 per cent of the outfield lying beneath floodwater up to four feet deep.

Flood Water Just A "Big Puddle"

While the sight of his square completely underwater may be familiar to Packwood, to the outside world it remains inconceivable that first-class cricket will be played on one of those very wickets when Nottinghamshire visit in Division One on April 27.

However, the man in charge of getting the ground fit for competitive action is defiant.

“It is a flood but you look at it and as a groundsman you just think of it as a big puddle,” he told The Cricketer on Friday, as he looked out on the flooded outfield.

“That’s how I’d see this compared to most floods.

“The worst ones have had the roads closed and it’s been up over the roof of the marquee.”

The Worcestershire groundstaff need a minimum of two weeks to get the playing surface ready for that opening game, leaving seven days for the outfield to dry up.

Providing there is not an abundance of sediment left on the square, the mop-up job should be fairly routine.

If that is not possible, the match will be relocated to the Worcester Royal Grammar School nearby.

Packwood’s biggest irritation seems to be the hokey-cokey of machinery, which had only emerged from storage earlier in the week before having to be packed up again days later.

“Most of the lads have been on the groundstaff for quite a long time now and they know the floods are one of those things. You can’t do anything about it; if we could stop it we would,” he said.

“You don’t want it at this time of year but I’ve seen many a flood. You build a cricket ground on a floodplain, you take the rough with the smooth.

“As soon as it does start to go up, we’ll be doing our best to make sure we have something ready for April 27. Everybody would still like to make sure the game is still on here.

“It’s entirely down to Mother Nature now. We don’t flood directly from the river, being on the floodplain all the water backs up over the fields and we are the last stop.

“Although the river is starting to drop, it’s got to drop enough for all the ditchwater to go off. It could be done by Sunday, it could even linger around for another week.”

Provided the water subsides, the flood could even benefit Packwood’s preparations, as ridiculous as it sounds, with the weight of water compressing the wicket and aiding in the rolling process.

Still, the clean-up is hardly ideal so close to the new campaign.

Packwood points out, however, that he is not the only one battling the elements in the wake of a winter full of heavy rain and snow.

“Every county groundsman at the moment is working against it. Hats off to every groundsman,” he said.

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SIS Pitches A Certified Manufacturer

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SIS Pitches A Certified Manufacturer: SIS Pitches first company in UK and Ireland to be individually recognised as a Certified Field Builder and Certified Manufacturer by International Hockey Federation.

  • SIS Pitches manufactures and builds hockey pitches across the UK and Ireland
  • Company first to be recognised in this manner in these countries
  • The world-class playing surfaces are manufactured in own factory in Maryport, Cumbria

SIS Pitches A Certified Manufacturer

A UK-based company specialising in sports pitches has become the first in Britain and Ireland to be double-certified individually by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

SIS Pitches has been announced as a FIH Certified Manufacturer and FIH Certified Field Builder. This makes them the first company within Ireland and the British Isles to be double certified individually by the International Hockey Federation.

The double-certification from the FIH recognises SIS Pitches’ expertise in the control over the quality of hockey pitches in every aspect — from pitch design, manufacturing construction, installation and maintenance.

SIS Pitches, which is headquartered in Maryport, Cumbria, is a world-leader in synthetic and natural sports surfacing. It lays synthetic pitches across the globe, with some of its most prestigious hockey pitch projects located at The University of Manchester, Ben Rhydding Hockey Club, Harrow School and Alive LynnSport, which is the home of the Pelicans hockey team, based in Norfolk.

Away from hockey, SIS Pitches is proud to produce high-quality sports surfaces for football and rugby. The firm has constructed and installed SISGrass hybrid technology at 6 of the 12 pitches at the 2018 football World Cup in Russia, including the Luzhniki stadium, home of the opening and final matches of the tournament.

Alastair Cox, FIH Facilities and Quality Programme Manager, said:

“The consistently high standard of hockey turf manufacturing and the construction quality demonstrated in SIS Pitches’ field building earned them the right to be internationally endorsed by our Quality Programme for Hockey Turf. This is no easy feat. Additionally, their commitment to providing great hockey facilities that support our Hockey Revolution strategy – to make our sport a global game that inspires future generations, was an important factor in their application.”

Luke Edwards, Sports Systems Development Manager, SIS Group Ltd, said:

 “Having previously received FIH Certification for our factory, we’re thrilled to have joined the FIH Certified Builder Programme as this fits perfectly with our philosophy of manufacturing, constructing and installing only the highest quality hockey fields.”

For more information, visit: www.sispitches.com

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Kubota B Series Packs A Punch

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Kubota B Series Packs A Punch: For users over smaller areas looking to purchase a new compact tractor in 2018, Kubota UK has a new and improved B Series range that will leave them spoilt for choice.

The market leading manufacturer of groundcare equipment has introduced its new B1 (standard spec) and B2 Series (premium spec) tractors, which supersede its existing B Series range of compact tractors.

Kubota B Series Packs A Punch

Adrian Langmead, Groundcare Business Development Manager for Kubota UK, said: “The launch of the B1 and B2 Series is all about evolution not revolution. Our B Series has been one of the most popular compact tractors on the market for years based on its performance, reliability, comfort and ability to cross different markets. The B1 and B2 Series capitalise on this even further, with a host of enhanced features to benefit our end-user customers.

“The premium B2 Series builds on from the industry leading B50 Series. The four new models, ranging from 20-31kw, boast a wide range of features, including Kubota’s unique Bi-speed turn. This enables operators to achieve a significantly reduced turning radius for increased maneuverability in tighter spaces. Three of the models feature Kubota’s renowned 3-cylinder diesel engine, whilst the 31hp model is powered by Kubota’s powerful 4-cylinder diesel engine.

“The introduction of the B2 Series is all about raising the bar in the compact tractor sector. Kubota invests heavily in research and development and talking to the market, to ensure our products and solutions meet and exceed the requirements of our customers. The B50 was the first tractor in its class to feature an integrated cab design, giving operators 5% more interior space and reduced noise. The range also includes a rear 3-point hitch for substantial lifting capacity across a wide range of implements.”

For those looking for more of a standard spec machine, the new B1 Series is the ideal choice. With three models ranging from 16 to 24hp, this latest series is an evolution of Kubota’s most iconic and long standing B1 utility tractor range.  Featuring refreshed styling, with a new slanted bonnet offering a clear view of all operations, the new B1 significantly enhances safety, control and comfort, whilst also reflecting the power and dependability the series has long been associated with.

Adrian concluded: “Kubota has been synonymous with innovation, performance and reliability within the groundcare industry for many years. Our latest standard and premium compact tractor ranges are a further reflection of our continued commitment to providing the industry with the best machines on the market that don’t let users down and enable all professionals to get the job done, time and again, efficiently and effectively.”

For more information on Kubota’s market leading groundcare solutions and to find your nearest dealer, visit www.kubota.co.uk or call + 44 1844 268000.

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New Pitch A Hit At Castle Park

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New Pitch A Hit At Castle Park: Several hundred thousand pounds was spent by Doncaster Knights on a brand new main pitch at Castle Park over the summer and it’s proving to be money well spent.

“We are into February now and the pitch is still looking good in the areas where you traditionally get some wear and tear despite Doncaster Phoenix also playing on it,” said head groundsman Lee Blagden.

New Pitch A Hit At Castle Park

“Whereas with a traditional grass pitch the grass roots are just below the surface the roots on our pitch go into a synthetic matrix mat and that makes them much stronger and less prone to damage.

“Everyone loves playing on a well-grassed pitch at the start of the season and what the new pitch – which is 100 per cent natural grass – is designed to give you is a similar surface throughout the season even though you do lose some of the grass.

“Due to the fact that we open the pitch up with a machine called a procore, which goes down five inches, it helps to avoid compacting the soil and softens the blow when players are tackled and hit the ground hard.

“The work we do also helps players’ boots dig in a bit more and gives them a better footing. With the pitch also being level and having no ruts it should help reduce ankle and knee injuries.

“We’ve been lucky with the weather so far this winter. We’ve had the rain but because of the new drainage system, which is absolutely fantastic, the rain drains away very quickly and we’ve had no puddles or soft areas.”

This week’s weather, as was the case in late December, has posed different problems.

“Because it is 100 per cent grass you have exactly the same situation as with a traditional pitch if you’ve got frost,” said Lee.

“As we’ve done in recent years we cover the pitch with covers, which we’ve done this week, if frost is forecast.

“The covers we use will generally protect against frost down to around minus 5.

“We also use them if snow is forecast.”

Although the end of the season is almost three months away, Lee and his team don’t intend to let the grass grow under their feet whilst doing just that.

“We are looking at doing an over-seed later this month at a time when the team haven’t got a home game which will probably take about two weeks to come through,” he said.

“We use a dimple seeder and that opens the ground up and lets you put a couple of seeds in and then it covers it to keep the birds away.

“We’ve already started to see some growth when we had a few warmer days towards the back end of last month.

“If I come across any areas showing wear during the winter months, and the weather is warm enough, then because of the new sprinkler system we’ve installed under the pitch we can put some new seed on the surface and it will germinate and grow.”

Although Lee and his staff are delighted with the way the pitch is looking, he says there is more work involved than with a traditional pitch.

“I would say there is double the work,” he claimed. “For a start you’ve got to make sure that the pitch is clean both after training and after matches.

“We’ve some mowers which are like a basic home mower and we go up and down and clear all the debris (old grass, mud) off the pitch so all the root base and leaf is all clean

“With it being a sand-based pitch you’ve got to try and keep your sand and plant clean.”

Lee and his staff are also charged with the upkeep of the five other pitches on the Castle Park site used by the junior section and the various senior teams below Championship and Midlands Premier level.

Knights also train on the outside pitches during the week in addition to two 40-minute sessions on the main pitch (weather permitting) and the weekly captain’s run on a Friday.

Doncaster RLFC have also used the facilities, though not the first team pitch, during the last couple of months for pre-season training

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ClearWater A Hit At BTME

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ClearWater A Hit At BTME: ClearWater proved to be popular at a very successful BTME for Acumen Waste Services Ltd. with a good number of enquiries taken. 

ClearWater’s sales and development manager, Matthew Mears, was most impressed with the first show he was responsible for and commented: “A great show that served two purposes; a chance for former Highspeed directors Andy Vincent and Dave Mears to say their goodbyes after a 25 year stint at BTME and also, for Acumen to establish themselves as part of BTME and demonstrate commitment to the future of ClearWater with customers old and new!”

ClearWater A Hit At BTME

The stand was certainly busy and footfall up on last year with more overseas interest too. The latest ClearWater display unit was on hand and proved useful to explain the virtues of the system (as our photo shows). There were many visits from Greenkeepers and others with specific interest in washpad compliance and had seen pre-show publicity for ClearWater.

Towards the end of the last day the big event was the Prize Draw. Steve Lloyd (seen here), course manager of The Worcestershire GC and last year’s winner was happy to make the draw. The system was won by Crosland Heath GC, a heathland course with stunning views located on the outskirts of Huddersfield, designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie and formed in 1914. The winning entry was placed by head greenkeeper Richard Holmes. Richard was delighted to learn of the win and said: “Very happy to be compliant now. ClearWater is what we have wanted for a long time; something we have strived towards”. A new ClearWater system will be on its way to Crosland Heath very soon!

A great show for Acumen and ClearWater and with impressive organisation and support from the BIGGA team!

For more information go to www.clearwatertv.co.uk

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Double A Decrease Grind Times

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Double A decrease Grind Times: Grinding by its nature is a precise process that can involve a lot of time, but The Double A Trading Company Ltd is hoping for decreased grind times with their new Foley Accu-Pro 633 with AccuTouch 3 Control, which was supplied by ProSport UK Ltd.

During her 13-years as Service Manager at Double A, Erin Mackie has compiled countless, run efficiency reports, whilst deciding what new equipment to buy, and she’ll consult with those that use them to find out exactly what they want from it.

Double A Increase Grind Times

When it came to choose a new grinder, Erin, considering the opinions of her grinding technicians, wanted a fully automatic computerised machine that would provide a quicker high-quality grind whilst allowing the operators to be proactive elsewhere.

With these requirements in mind Erin decided to opt for the grinder recommended by managing director of ProSport UK and Foley UK distributor Ian Robson.  Erin explains “We looked at grinders from different manufactures but were most impressed with the Foley Accu-Pro 633 as it met all the criteria needed to deliver the best grinding service.

“We offer this service primarily for professional golf course machinery but also for any of our customers machines and our own demo mowers that need sharpening.

“One of the many reasons I chose the Foley Accu-Pro 633, and why the engineers preferred that grinder to the others on offer, is because it is completely computerised. It offers us spin and relief grinding and it’s fully automatic. So, while the grinder is in action our technicians can be away and working on something else. “It’s also fully enclosed so it meets all our health and safety regulations, reducing the excessive noise that we used to get with our other fully open machine.

“Purchasing the Accu-Pro will significantly improve our efficiency for grinding, and in turn this will increase our capacity.

“I’m looking forward to working out exactly how much more work we will be able to complete compared to our old grinder.”

The increase in efficiency comes from the automation of the machine, but more specifically the processes within it. The ‘Automatic Placement System’ uses the Accu-Reel Selector and Cylinder Height Stop, which combined, locate the reel exactly where required for a fast and easy spin and relief grind.

Pre-set relief angles are easily identified on the ‘Relief Angle Adjuster’, making grinding the correct angle with the proper clearances for each reel type, a simple task.

As the grinder uses the AccuTouch 3 Control with its built-in training programme, the operator training although still required is quick and easy and Erin was very impressed just how rapidly Ian carried out the full installation and training process.

“Ian has been very helpful; the guys didn’t have any quibbles. He went through the machine thoroughly with them and trained all of our operators within a short period of time, which was great.”

For more information, visit: www.prosportukltd.com

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Save Up To £2775 And 50% Of The Cost Of A Battery With Pellenc

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Save up to £2775 and 50% of the cost of a battery with Pellenc: Etesia UK, the distributor of Pellenc battery-powered tools in the UK and Ireland, has announced a special offer which will see customers save up to 50% of the purchase price of the ULiB1100 battery.

A forerunner when it comes to lithium-ion technology and high efficiency “Brushless” motors, Pellenc has established itself as the number one choice in the “Zero Emission” professional power tools market for the maintenance of urban and green-spaces.

Save Up To £2775 And 50% Of The Cost Of A Battery With Pellenc

The combination of these two technologies makes it possible to eliminate direct emission of greenhouse gases and significantly reduce noise and vibration. It meets the users’ requirements for comfort and sustainability while offering excellent cost efficiency.

The Pellenc ULiB 1100 battery is equivalent to approximately 4,700 litres of fuel, at £1.18 per litre (as of 8.9.17) meaning that over the lifetime of the battery, users will be able to save up to £2775 when compared to petrol alternatives.

In addition to the above savings, from 1st November 2017 to 31st March 2018, users will also be able to save up to 50% of the cost of the purchase price of the battery.

With limitless options of commercial tools for commercial users available from hedgecutters to blowers, strimmers to pedestrian mowers – all powered by the ULiB 1100 battery which offers up to 1440 minutes of use on a single charge.

When purchased with one tool, customers will receive 10% discount on the purchase price of the battery. When two tools are purchased, customers will receive 20% discount on the battery. Three tools = 30% discount on the battery, four tools = 40% discount on the battery and 5 tools = 50% discount on the battery.

Pellenc supply tools and a range of batteries which are IP54 water rated and carry a full three-year commercial warranty – the first manufacturer to offer this on battery-powered tools, meaning that customers will have full peace of mind.

For further information, please contact Etesia UK on 01295 680120 or visit www.etesia.co.uk  where you can also find more information on Pellenc which is sold exclusively in the UK by Etesia UK.

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Oxford United Groundsman On A Career In Grass

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Pitch perfect: Oxford United’s groundsman on a career in grass: There is a sign stuck to the whiteboard behind Paul Currier’s desk which reads ‘Every day is a holiday for a man who loves his job’.

Five minutes with the head groundsman at Oxford United is enough to know it is not a hollow statement.

Oxford United Groundsman On A Career In Grass

Currier, 58, is in the 40th year of a career which has taken him from school pitches to a host of Football League clubs – including tomorrow’s opponents Northampton Town – via a spell tending the lawns at Northamptonshire Police’s headquarters.

For someone who is quick to admit he was not the most academic at school, it has been quite a journey.

“I’ve always had this philosophy that if you get up in the morning and can’t wait to get to work then you’re enjoying your job,” Currier says, leaning back on a desk chair in his office, tucked under the East Stand.

“You’ve got to be dedicated. It can be seven days a week, it can be 12 hours a day and it’s not one of the best paid jobs in the world.

“But I’m passionate about my football and I’m passionate about my grass.”

Those who look after pitches tend to have a gruff demeanour, forever barking at people to ‘keep off the pitch’.

 But then they have plenty to worry about.

Currier, who reckons he walks 15 miles on a matchday to prepare the pitch, said: “All groundsman are the same, we’re all classed as grumpy sods.

“You have to police it because otherwise everybody will go on.

“They’ll think ‘it looks all right, I’ll go on it’, but you don’t see the damage until Christmas, so you’ve got to keep the traffic to the minimum.

“I have a checklist that I do pre-match, everything’s done, but you’ve still got that worry at the back of your mind.

“You wince when players go into the back of the net and they pull themselves up with it. It just pings everything off.

“The worst nightmare for any groundsman is to be called on while the game is going on.”

Then there are pests and diseases to lose sleep over, but his main obsession is the weather.

Pitch technology has improved markedly in the last 20 years, with the Kassam Stadium among the increasing number of surfaces in the Football League to mix the grass with artificial fibres.

Currier, brought in when the pitch was completely relaid by GreenFields in 2015, checks the forecast every four hours in the winter months.

And here, the Kassam Stadium’s open western end can be either a benefit or a hindrance.

He said: “I’m pretty confident you won’t get a game called off here for waterlogging.

“Because the pitch is so wide open to wind, it can dry twice as quickly as anywhere else.

“You can get a downpour while you’re playing and it won’t affect it, barring the odd splash.

“Temperatures drop and there’s constant shade down one side – because of the South Stand – which is two degrees colder than the other side.”

While he is a West Bromwich Albion supporter, spending so much time at a club tends to create a bond.

But United have had a stronger pull than most, as the first club where he is invited into the manager’s office after games.

He said: “I’m lucky here at Oxford because they treat me as one of the team, there’s a good rapport with the managers.”

Given the expertise built up over four decades, you might presume Currier has a perfectly-tended lawn at home in Northamptonshire.

“No, mine’s artificial,” he grins.

“When I’m at work I’m constantly thinking about grass, so when I’m at home I just like to chill out and relax and go ‘I shan’t be cutting that today’.”

Even for a man who is always on holiday, there are limits.

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