Newtown Linford Cricket Club

Leicestershire

Despite a village population of less than 1,000, Newtown Linford Cricket Club has made huge strides over recent years and significantly grown their membership numbers at both junior and senior level. 

Dura-Sport were invited by Newtown to provide a report and recommendations, as after just four seasons of use the club’s existing practice facility was no longer suitable and showing major signs of wear and performance issues.  

The existing facility was a basic design and layout which Newtown had significantly outgrown. Following investigations and discussions with the club, a new enhanced ECB compliant facility was specified, to be constructed from scratch and to include a number of enhancements, upgrades and design features.

Firstly, the new facility was extended in length by nine metres, replacing the natural grass run up with synthetic grass onto a free draining foundation. Extending the design significantly reduces maintenance whilst increasing player safety and grip under foot.

Next, a new 220mm deep foundation was specified throughout the entire design, replacing the considerably shallower existing base. Additional layers of specialist materials were also imported into the excavation to significantly aid facility levels, stability, drainage and pitch performance. 

Existing external and internal timber framework was rotting and protruding in places, with the internal material removed and the external material replaced with a new robust, 100% recyclable, perimeter edge detail which carries a lifetime warranty. With no internal framework, nails or fixings required within the new enhanced design, all lips and ridges were removed, in turn removing any safety issues. 

The worn shock pads were replaced and upgraded to thicker, wider, superior performance underlays, installed throughout the full length and full width of each practice pitch in one continuous piece of material, to not only significantly reduce maintenance but also provide excellent consistency throughout.

Threadbare and torn heavy duty green tufted sports grass surfaces were replaced with DSi-weave loam coloured superior wilton woven cricket carpets with spike resistant technology. The strongest and most durable surface available, DSi-weave replicates the look, feel and performance of a well prepared natural grass wicket. 

Original sand filled surrounds and joins were contaminated with weeds and moss and as a result were replaced in the new design with full length rolls of DS Evograss which resemble the look and feel of natural grass. This material is far easier to maintain and upkeep due to having no infill and no joins. 

The existing damaged 42mm diameter cage at 3.66m height was replaced and upgraded with newer, stronger steelwork, featuring longer sockets to house 48mm diameter heavy duty galvanised poles at 4.00m height out of the ground. 

Attached to the cage poles by cable ties, the existing light duty netting had become damaged and torn. This was replaced and upgraded to a heavy duty 3mm thick knotted version, which carries a 5 year warranty. Double clad between lanes and suspended on a tensioned line wire system rather than being attached to the steel work, the net and accompanying anti-vermin skirt are dark green in colour to seamlessly blend in with the natural surroundings of the cricket club.   

Finally, a retractable back stop system was designed and constructed, clad with white netting to act as a sightscreen behind the bowler’s arm to help to pick out a red ball from the countryside backdrop.  

The project was completed ahead of schedule and within the club’s budget, resulting in club members being delighted with the outcome.