CRICKET


Gary Barwell at Edgbaston set up a regular zoom meeting and it’s been very helpful - we’ve all come together much more for the sake of the sport


”


The Pakistan squad spent a fortnight training at Blackfinch New Road in July. With the help of the Premier Inn next door, the club was able to provide a Covid-secure ‘bubble’ for the squad


team of three again. For labour-intensive jobs such as covers, a member of the bar staff has helped out. “As we work outside, we’re in the best situation but, if we have to come closer than 2m, we will wear masks. The only time that it’s likely would be to roll out new sheet covers for example,” he says. There may be a few head-scratching moments as play resumes however - only umpires will be allowed to touch the stumps, so if the stumps are not pulled during a bad weather interruption it could be difficult to put the covers on! “We’re not supposed to be on the field when the players are on, so the onset of rain could require some quick action.” The first fixture scheduled was a ‘neutral ground’ match for Lancashire vs Leicestershire, ahead of the home squad return to Blackfinch New Road on 8th August.


The season may be extended for the Bob


Willis four-day matches into the first week of October, with a ‘neutral ground’ club hosting the final. “It’s not ideal because we will be wanting to get on with renovations but, if spectators are allowed later in the season, it would be very positive for the club and we will obviously support it.”


Tim suggests that budgets have not been affected significantly, although fertiliser is only being bought in as needed for each application. “We know it would be cheaper to buy in bulk, but we can’t store it due to our winter flooding issues. One impact of the pandemic is that we have rethought our machinery policy, and intend to purchase our own renovation equipment in the future to reduce our reliance on contractors, so we are now actively seeking off-site storage.” “We’ll generally topdress the outfield at the end of the season, but for 2020/21 we will focus on getting the grass cover and top


dress in February if needed - so much topdressing was washed away this year. However, the square will be renovated in the autumn to give it the full growing season.” Other plans include making the ground as ‘flood ready’ as possible after the mess room electrics were damaged in winter 2019, and refurbishments to public facilities as and when they are needed. When asked of any positives that have come out of this most unusual of seasons, Tim comments on the improved communication between county cricket groundsmen.


“Gary Barwell at Edgbaston set up a regular zoom meeting and it’s been very helpful - we’ve all come together much more for the sake of the sport.”


Back in the game…Blackfinch New Road looking good after a late renovation and truncated preparation due to Covid uncertainty


80 PC August/September 2020


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