Winter Sports - Rugby What’s in the shed?


Toro 3100-D Reelmaster Major Rotary Deck Kubota L4240 tractor and loader Moore Uni-drill Charterhouse Verti-Drain John Deere Gator Sisis Litamina Sweeper


When it comes to machinery, the stadium policy is to look for the best deal from a number of local dealers.


“The buying policy usually depends on reliability and price of the machine,” said James.”


“All servicing is also based on price, but usually local dealers such as Laird Grass Machinery Ltd, PA Nesbitts and Kens Engineering carry out all our work for us.”


In the future, James would like to add a few more machines to the growing portfolio. These include a Toro 648 Aerator, Toro 3100 and a Kubota RTV.


“whatever is required.” A verticutter is used from May to the end of the season. James added: “Sometimes, when the pitch is looking a bit bare, we bring out the Moore Uni-drill to sow a bit more seed. Again, we do this when required, which usually amounts to three times per year.” “We also have a tractor mounted sprayer


to apply liquid feed six to eight times a year and to help with weed and pest control when needed.” “Pitch marking is usually carried out twice


a week, when fixtures are frequent, using a spray line marker." During every event and match,


presentation is an important consideration for James and the staff. “Presentation is our number one priority, not just for the pitch, but the entire stadium. My team and I are responsible for this at every event and match.”


When the rugby playing season is over, the


team take a step back and assess what repair or further maintenance work needs to be


“ 92 I PC JUNE/JULY 2015


carried out on the pitch. This year, James and his team have big plans on how to improve the playing surface. “Usually, we scarify, hollow core, topdress and overseed, but this year we intend to remove the surface, till the soil and reseed,” he confirmed. “That should improve the ground significantly, leaving us with a much better surface for the next season.” As part of ongoing testing of the grounds,


James has taken soil samples for the past three years in order to ascertain exactly what the pitch needs in terms of nutrients. The Ulster Rugby staff are hoping for a bigger development of the pitch. “We are working towards a new pitch in the near future, with a new surface, adequate drainage, irrigation and undersoil heating. I think a new pitch would complete the redevelopment project and really make Kingspan an exceptional stadium fit for purpose.”


I think a new pitch would complete the redevelopment project and really make Kingspan an exceptional stadium fit for purpose


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