Staging set- up for the
Green Day concert
approximately 16 tonnes and is brought into the arena on a truck. From arrival in the stadium to setting in place each section takes less than half an hour. In position the pitch rests on 3 concrete rails so it is sitting above the concrete floor. The pitches are made up of
Merri Creek soil, exactly the same as that used at the MCG, and the same as 90% of the turf wickets in the state of Victoria. The grass used is Legend couch. Before each section is put in place the base is covered with a plastic membrane. The purpose of this is to allow Gavin to accurately control the water content. The bottom 25mm of the surrounding soil profile is permanently wet and, without the membrane, water would migrate into his pitch. Once in place the team gets to work on the areas immediately surrounding the pitch. “Every time we drop in a wicket the levels are different,” explained Gavin. “We always take a couple of
Brown on grass
WRITTEN by Stewart Brown, a Senior Lecturer from the Department of Landscape Management at Writtle College, what makes this book of particular interest is the emphasis on management techniques within the UK sports turf industry.
The book is in a paperback form, well laid out, with a wealth
of detailed practical information that will be invaluable to Turfcare Professionals and Students. It provides a contemporary, comprehensive insight into the maintenance and management of sports turf and amenity grass land. The information is presented clearly, is simple to understand and will benefit Turfcare professionals at all levels. The book features useful tables, illustrations, and pictures highlighting the most up to date information and current practices being implemented in our industry. Priced at £16.95 (RRP 19.95) Sports Turf and Amenity Grassland Management offers excellent value for money and should become a valuable resource for all practicing turfcare professionals. Available from the Pitchcare shop at
www.pitchcare.com
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www.pitchcare.com/re 47
metres off the bowlers run ups and about 50cm off the sides to make sure we have a nice even grade. The ends and edges are overcut to ensure they butt up tightly to the wicket, we’ll roll these and pack them back down. The key issue is to make sure the bowlers’ run ups entry into the pitch is nice and smooth.” By midday the centre pitch is in place, two hours later the two practice pitches are completed and the ground is cleared. Work on the pitches begins almost immediately with some light rolling to get some base compaction. There will be a gradual introduction of the heavier roller with the aim of producing the perfect pitch for three weeks time. The performance of
Gavin’s team and the contractors was very impressive - 3 drop in wickets in place in just around an hour for each one, with the added bonus of giving them ample time to hit the shops for their last minute Christmas presents.
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