MEL POOLEY
Cambridgeshire Pitch Advisor
I started my working career at the age of 15 in the construction industry as an apprentice bricklayer. I had passed my 11 plus exam to go to Grammar School but, because of the shortage of places, did not get selected and so went to secondary school for four years, then it was out to work, no chance to take any qualifications!
up playing football at 27 due to a cartilage operation. I played professional football for Northwich Victoria for three years
Mel Pooley (left) and Paul Tatton
PAUL TATTON Lancashire Pitch Advisor
I was a keen cricketer and played for my local village side before moving to March Town Cricket Club in 1970 where I stayed for the rest of my playing career.
I worked my way up through the construction industry, gaining my qualifications, and am now lecturing in
construction at the College Of West Anglia.
I became involved with cricket groundsmanship at March Town in the mid 70s and have studied the subject extensively, gaining my MSc in Sport Surface Technology at Cranfield University. I am also a lecturer/trainer for groundsmanship.
I became the ECB Pitch Advisor for Cambridgeshire in 2003 and attended the training course at Cranfield University. My work as an ECB Advisor involved the setting up of a Cricket Groundsman’s Association. This has been a very successful project with the main purpose to help both professional and amateur clubs. The association has encouraged bulk buying of products such as loams for end of season renovations. This has helped to reduce costs to clubs quite substantially and we are looking to expand this venture to other costly products.
The association is also budgeting to help subsidise training for cricket groundsmen. and is hoping to be able to help young people wishing to take up groundsmanship as a career by offering financial support.
In addition, we have had a Channel 4 Trailer of equipment for two years, and this has proved so successful the association is, at present, trying to get another one.
My other work involves giving advice on pitches and squares to help improve the surfaces, sometimes on an informal basis and others with a formal report, which involves a full survey and a soil analysis. I have recently been involved with a school advising on the refurbishment of the grass cricket square, which had been neglected. They have decided to go back to playing on a traditional surface and are linking up with a local club to share the facilities. I believe this can only be good for the game and the community.
I am 62 years old, luckily, as I was involved in a major accident at the age of 6 resulting in multiple breaks to my hips and legs. I continued to break bones playing cricket and had to give
I was educated at a local grammar school and played cricket at Lancashire Schoolboy level, progressing through the system and playing several seasons for Lancashire CCC 2nd XI. Bert Flack was Groundsman at Old Trafford at the time - not one to tangle with!
I played as professional for several Lancashire League sides and also for the County Over 50s for nine years but now I concentrate on my golf (handicap 10).
I first got involved in groundsmanship in 1968 at Farnworth CC helping out at Sunday morning working parties under the genial guidance of Sammy Lloyd.
I took over groundsmanship duties at Bolton CC, whilst still a player, to help them through financial difficulties. I am now at Haydock CC (for the past seven years), and also look after Leigh CC’s facilities, who play in the Premier League of Lancashire
After attending all the relevant courses to pass the assessment, I was invited to become one of two pitch advisors operating in Lancashire under the Lancashire Cricket Board and ECB umbrella.
The latest ECB approved design non-turf cricket pitch
The ‘total-play’ system has been designed by Total Turf Solutions Ltd (TTS) following years of research and uses up-to-date materials, construction techniques and the latest methods in performance testing.
The ‘total-play’ system is the latest and most up-to-date ECB approved design.
The ‘total-play’ system is a unique, modern design to provide a balanced game between bat and ball and is proven to encourage turn more than other artificial surfaces.
Does your existing facility comply to PQS and ECB guidelines? Non-conforming facilities could result in legal action. Let our qualified consultants provide a FREE assessment of your facility.
For more information on how our consultants can refurbish, design a bespoke system or advise on up-to-date regulations, please contact the total-play team:
total-play, c/o Total Turf Solutions, PO Box 250 Northampton, NN5 5WZ
“
Harrow School appointed TTS to complete a design and build project for the re-installation of the school’s 6th Form artificial cricket practice nets. The school undertook a thorough tendering process, with all the relevant companies, but decided to appoint TTS.
The site was first surveyed to ascertain dimensions and ground levels. The project was then value engineered and a final specification provided.
The project was completed in August 2006 in less than two weeks and we are delighted with the system. We now have a fully enclosed four bay system, which our pupils are enjoying.
” Mr Andy Matthews, Head Groundsman, Harrow School, London Harrow School, London
Telephone: 01604 750 555 | Facsimile: 01604 750 780 Website:
www.total-play.co.uk | email:
info@total-play.co.uk
Total Turf Solutions One trusted resource for your sports surfaces 75
Manchester College of Art & Technology
cross-section of total-play net system
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