EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS


The Racecourse Ground - rich in cricketing heritage


“They’re clever and follow you around, digging. A few years ago on the cricket outfield, they caused massive damage rooting out chafer grubs and we had to reseed and topdress.” “Last year, little maggots infested the


Racecourse ground. A quick spray ended the problem, with no impact on the square thankfully. Round-up treats fencing bases. Moss isn’t an issue but can take hold on the artificial surfaces.” Paul prefers quality when choosing his fertiliser. “I’ve applied Evolution


microgranular slow-release for several years. I find it works better in cooler weather - not the cheapest, but good. The autumn/winter feed for football and rugby we apply in


This is the only


sportsground in Britain where you can include a cathedral, a castle and a prison in a single photograph. A favourite spot with photographers


” Paul mowing the Racecourse Ground pitches 102 PC December/January 2020


October or November, then the spring/summer feed in April, with a July top- up if necessary.” “We apply across the squares, outfields and practice areas about four times a year - October, December then March and through the season.”


Racecourse ground


A short drive takes us from Maiden Castle to the Racecourse ground, approached from Durham centre’s high ground, with its Norman cathedral, mediaeval castle and prison overlooking, one of the most attractive sport settings I’ve witnessed. Paul knows the back roads well enough to avoid the single track thoroughfare that


wends its way through Durham’s ancient marketplace, costing drivers £2 for the privilege of enjoying one of the first toll roads in Britain.


The entrance road curves down to the classically cream and green clubhouse, looking across to the cricket square in front and a rugby and two football pitches to its rear, fringed by the river Wear. The racecourse is long gone but this is home to university first eleven cricket. We walk across to the square, relaid in 1989 by industry doyen Keith Boyce, now lying fallow until next season, and gaze across to the escarpment overlooking the fine stretch of green sward.


“This is the only sportsground in Britain


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