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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.
Craig Chapman, who was Club Captain when the nets were constructed, commented that the enhanced and upgraded facility has proved a huge success with club coaches and players of all ages and abilities:
“Having practiced in several different types of nets over the years I have to say that these are the best by far in terms of look, feel underfoot and performance. The ball comes on to the bat at a good realistic pace and the surface offers something for the bowler too. The fact that they replicate match day conditions is a real benefit to all of our players from junior squads to first teamers. The enhancements have produced a really outstanding facility which is the envy of many visiting teams.”
Tim Moult, Club Vice Chairman and Secretary, added:
“The Professionalism and advice we received from Dura-Sport, from initial on site discussions and design options through to their installation team constructing the nets, has been first class. They weren’t the cheapest quotation we received but we considered and compared the service, product quality, extended warranties (25 years on foundation and all steel work, 12 years on DSi-weave cricket carpet) and facility durability and lifespan (average lifespan of DSi-weave in excess of 12 years) against the final costs. As a club we have definitely made the right decision. The fact that the facility was constructed “in house” was also a huge factor in our decision. For any club looking to build or replace an artificial cricket practice facility I would highly recommend that you contact Dura-Sport.”
Richard Key, Company Director at Dura-Sport, commented:
“We feel that it is important for clients to understand that all ECB Approved non-turf pitch system suppliers differ in terms of their designs, systems, the products they use, the kite marks they have obtained, their construction techniques and industry experience. As showcased at Newtown Linford, two completely different approaches to constructing a practice facility can both meet ECB compliance and incorporate ECB Approved cricket systems, leading to a wide difference in product quality and subsequent costs.
As an independent company who employ our own in-house non-turf cricket facility advisors and installation teams, Dura-Sport offer impartial advice to ensure that each client understands the options available to them and the associated costs due to our turnkey approach to each project. We were delighted to offer this service to Newtown Linford Cricket Club, amongst several other clients this year, to help them achieve the enhanced and upgraded facility necessary to suit their requirements and budget.”
For further information on the services we offer or for help and advice on a project please contact Dura-Sport on (0116) 2813200 or cricket@dura-sport.co.uk
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