Summer Sports - Cricket
What’s in the shed? Ransomes T185D Triplex Atco B30 cylinder mower
Bob Richards (Youth Coach, Club and Fixtures Secretary) striking out ...
around the ground, including the replacements for the ‘Four Elms’ that were lost to Dutch elm disease in the late seventies, early eighties. We also have various trees around the ground planted in memory of past members of the club.” “The overriding need to replace the one hundred
year old pavilion is always in the back of our minds as, each year, it moves and a bit more needs to be planed from the doors and windows so they open and shut! During the war, it survived a near miss by a doodle-bug, which landed 100 yards down the hedge; even so, one end was blown off.” “I’m looking at a possible rainwater harvesting scheme to be put in place when the new pavilion eventually takes shape. My dream would be to have the first fully eco club, utilising the latest straw construction, with solar power providing both hot water, heat and electricity.” Clive feels that the game of cricket is under threat from changes in society as a whole. “There
... Tim Seegar (Treasurer) turns his arm over
is more competition for everyones’ time these days, not only to prepare for a game, but also to take part and support the club,” he bemoans. “Without the active participation of the younger generation, I can see the number of clubs locally and nationally decreasing. Society, today, seems to desire everything quickly, and its attention span seems to have declined, which is not great for our game. As for me, one of its charms is the fact that it’s like a game of chess; full of tactics and individual flair that can beat the odds.” “Cricket clubs need to work more closely with
... as do Sevenoaks Wednesdays
local schools, who are under pressure to look after their playing fields, and expose their pupils to physical education and the game of cricket itself. Bob Richards has taken over the youth coaching this last year, and both he and the youngsters look energised to take our Club well in to the next generation.” The Four Elms Cricket Club website asks; “would you like to enjoy the sound of leather on willow, the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside, quality teas and a friendly atmosphere, then please get in touch or, better still, pop in the pavilion for a chat and a pint during a game; we’d be pleased to meet you.” I might just search out my whites and head for Kent.
If we had a category for ‘Diamond Geezer in Waiting’ then Andy Mackay, Head Groundsman at Sussex County Cricket Club, might possibly be top of the list.
DIAMOND GEEZERS
ANDY MACKAY - TOP MAN AT SUSSEX CCC
However, age should be no barrier, so he makes it into our category for filling all the criteria for ‘geezerishness’.
You see, Andy, whilst not being the longest serving groundsman on cricket’s First Class circuit, has boundless enthusiasm, a thirst for knowledge and a desire to help his colleagues. So much so that he makes himself available on the Pitchcare message board to
answer questions from volunteer groundsmen across the nation.
Coming from ‘oop north’, as he does, he has experience of most weather conditions and his answers are both considered and concise.
His extensive article, last year, on the basics of cricket renovations has become the ‘go to’ reference for many cricket groundsman, regardless of the level they are working at.
Thanks for your input Andy, we know it is much appreciated by the Pitchcare members.
PC APRIL/MAY 2015 I 83
Ransomes Super Certes 20 cylinder mower Honda HRH Pro rotary mower Bolens 33 rotary mower Sisis Combirake Jacobsen 24 scarifier Stothert and Pitt Roller
Walk behind sprayer and fertiliser
“We always purchase outright, always direct and always secondhand.
We tend to go with what we can afford and what is recommended for the job.
The T185D has significantly improved the outfield, and the Combirake has helped us get the grass great to play on.
Servicing is carried out by TC Hiller and S&N Machinery, both based in Edenbridge, five miles away. Small jobs are done by ourselves.
What would my wish list include? How long have you got? For the square, an Infinicut 20 mower with groomer and a Groundsman 460 HD. For the outfield, a small tractor with linkage allowing for a possible mower or Sisis Quadraplay to be fitted.
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