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The story so far…
It’s been a very busy 2022 for Dura-Sport’s cricket department!
Extended periods of great weather right through to October allowed us to deliver a large number of non-turf cricket construction projects across the country.
Our cricket projects have always been varied and interesting in both design and end user requirements and 2022 has been no different. We’ve had the pleasure of working with a wide range of clients in various locations throughout England and Wales - from village greens and primary schools to urban cricket clubs and International Test Venues.
A successful period of research and development during 2021 resulted in the introduction of enhanced design features, construction techniques and superior material upgrades. We’re proud to continue to offer our clients a wide range of bespoke designs, accessories and ECB Approved systems, incorporating the very best products available in the industry.
Our original “Vision”
Our innovative concept of a natural coloured non-turf pitch was conceived in 2013. Following extensive research and development, our DSi-weave superior wilton woven cricket carpet was manufactured using a natural-coloured yarn and was tested accordingly. In 2015, Market Harborough Cricket Club in Leicestershire kindly agreed to showcase the new product by replacing their original four lane practice facility which we constructed in 2001. The Club’s new facility became a Flagship site for our prospective clients - including Uppingham School and Spencer Cricket Club, to see the quality of our products first hand. Both clients subsequently placed orders for similar (8 and 6 lane) facilities and Market Harborough CC’s facility continues to serve club members well today.
A large proportion of clients now opt for the natural coloured DSi-weave carpet and further product development during 2020 saw us produce the 3rd generation of The ECB Approved DSi-pro Vision system. Stronger and more durable, with a darker loam-like shade than previous versions, the spike resistant surface has featured prominently in our installations during 2021 and 2022.
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A Selection of 2022 Vision Projects
As the closest and most realistic alternative to a well prepared natural turf pitch, the ECB Approved DSi-pro Vision system remains our client’s most popular choice for the 6th year running. We have constructed several practice facilities throughout England using the loam-coloured surface, including Abbots Langley CC, Chalfont St Peter CC, Eaton Bray CC and Emmbrook and Bearwood CC in the south and Carlton Cricket Club and Kirkburton Cricket Club in the north. Many facilities have also been constructed or upgraded in Wales, including Colwyn Bay CC in The North of the Country and Porthcawl CC and Cowbridge CC in the south.
In the midlands we returned to Rugby Cricket Club to replicate the Dura-Sport nets at Warwickshire CCC by extending and reconstructing their original twin lane to create a four lane open ended “Vision” facility. Meanwhile, Newtown Linford Cricket Club in Leicestershire opted for a total replacement, extension and upgrade of their existing twin bay facility which they had outgrown after just four seasons of use. You can read the Newtown Linford CC case study here. Following the construction of a four lane “Vision” facility at Emirates Old Trafford for Lancashire CCC, the system gained further popularity in the north west of England, with various designs constructed at clubs and schools including The Manchester Grammar School and Elton Cricket Club near Bury. Ainsdale Cricket Club near Liverpool will be a further addition with a new twin lane facility being constructed during early 2023.
With numerous practice facility projects already scheduled for 2023, the ECB Approved DSi-pro Vision system continues to rapidly grow in popularity throughout England and Wales.
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Continuing with Tradition
Not to be forgotten, the traditional dark green cricket facility has also remained a popular choice for our clients this year. Over 25 new non-turf pitches featuring The ECB Approved DSi-pro system have been installed, chosen for its performance, durability and spike resistance. A dozen more NTP’s have been installed using our alternative ECB Approved range of systems and we have also undertaken several rejuvenation and resurfacing projects using DSi-weave superior wilton woven cricket carpet. The ECB Approved DSi-pro system remains popular within practice net areas too with many facilities constructed this year - from single to five lane designs.
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“Off the field”
Our in-house installation teams have continued their specialist training and development and we’ve welcomed a number of new experienced site personnel to the team this year, all of whom have hit the ground running! Our increased capacity meant we could meet the high demand and reduce lead times whilst continuing to provide an excellent service to our clients.
As projects, design options, materials and construction methods continually evolve to meet the ever changing demand of the industry and clients, our Contracts Manager uses all of his 25 years of invaluable hands on experience to set and oversee the very highest construction, installation and health and safety standards on each and every project. Furthermore, additional office staff have also been employed this year to ensure that we are able to reduce response times and offer a professional service from initial enquiry through to project completion and after care. All of these undertakings have allowed us to continue to move from strength to strength throughout 2022 and will continue to drive us forward in 2023 as the business and our portfolio continue to progress.
Future Developments
The Year 2023 will see us approach 30 years in the non-turf industry. During that time we have designed, supplied and constructed thousands of non-turf cricket pitches, multi-use areas and practice facilities for a wide range of clients, which is something that we are incredibly proud of.
Further research and development during 2022 means that plans are already in place to make next year our biggest and most significant to date. A range of “test beds” have been installed at clubs in preparation for 2023, with ongoing laboratory testing and assessment of new products by end users. The feedback received will allow us to further enhance the products and service we provide as we ‘drive’ forward into another exciting year in the synthetic sports pitch and non-turf cricket industry.
For further information please contact us on 0116 2813200 / cricket@dura-sport.co.uk
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