Hampshire is keen to lay down solid management foundations, part of which means giving different staff members the control of certain aspects of the site. “This makes our job much more streamlined and allows us to become a stronger and more able team,” Nigel stresses.
A criticism levelled at groundstaff is the issue of preparing grounds to suit a home advantage. The last Ashes test at The Oval with its dry playing conditions is one of many examples that can be called into play. Nigel strongly defends his profession on this point, insisting: “It’s why we have pitch inspectors in the game now. They decide if pitches are fit for first class cricket. Unfair manipulation of the pitch shouldn’t be tolerated. I’m a firm believer that clubs should always produce the best pitches they can, with the focus on the strength of the players, not the weakness of the opposition.”
After twenty years with Hampshire, Nigel has learnt how best to deal with the pressures that come with
already been decided, he reveals. “A machinery contract has been concluded with a major supplier,” he says, “and the equipment will be utilised on both the golf and cricket sites. The irrigation system I selected is a Rainbird as I’ve enjoyed successful experiences with them in the past.” Raymond
already shares machinery with Nigel, who inherited much of what is currently a diverse range of stock that includes Dennis, Lloyds, Sisis, Allett and Blec. “We’ve also been in contact with agronomist George Shields and plans are afoot to bring in an ecologist from an early stage to guide us on the best ways to ensure any sensitive areas of wildlife are correctly managed,” Raymond adds.
Raymond Hunt
Work was planned to start in August and the team remain “very positive” that the project will run smoothly. “Given our location, the fact that we are not subject to the erosion problems of a links course and will have state-of-the-art irrigation, there should be no problems with the build,” he states confidently.
preparing grounds for first class cricket. In most cases the simplest things make the biggest differences, he contests.
“One of the best pieces of advice I could give would simply be to not let things get to you. There’s always going to be someone that won’t be happy with your work and, in most cases, it’s the
opposition. Some of the lads take it to heart because they’re so passionate about the job but, from my experience, it’s better to not get upset. You can only do what you think is best. Afterall, we know the pitch better than anyone else.” Groundsmen now
command a greater voice in the industry, in part due to the vast amount of coverage devoted to sport on digital television. “There;s always a platform for people to hear our opinions and others to question our decision- making,” declares Nigel, “especially when a question mark
hangs over the playing surface.”
The C-Range
Each ‘easy-change’ cartridge becomes an integral part of the machine without loss of quality results.
Provides a wide range of professional turf maintenance needs from one machine.
Hangar 5, New Road, Hixon, Stafford, ST18 0PJ. Telephone 01889 272095, Fax 01889 271528, Email
sales@allett.co.uk, web
www.allett.co.uk
95
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132