MULTI SPORTS


Rugby pitch currently becomes cricket outfield for the summer


We’ve got our own Blec Groundbreaker but, whilst we await delivery of our new tractor, we’re using a local contractor with a 2.2m Verti-Drain - he’s a sponsor so we get good rates!


”


The existing square, overlapping pitches one and two, gets some end of season renovations


every six weeks. “We’ve got our own Blec Groundbreaker but, whilst we await delivery of our new tractor, we’re using a local contractor with a 2.2m Verti-Drain - he’s a sponsor so we get good rates!” Before Tom arrived at the club, much of the grounds work was done by volunteers, backed up by contractors, but the expansion of the facilities made it more viable to invest in a full-time groundsman and equipment. “My first task was to put together a budget for the equipment and materials needed and draw up detailed requirements,” he explains. “The committee have been forward thinking in accepting the recommendations, which will, in time, be paid back by the extra revenue that we can get from the facilities - the 3G pitch alone offers huge opportunities,


and we’ve already got strong links to organisations such as schools wanting to hire them.”


Investment in machinery includes a


Ransomes TR320 cylinder mower, intended just for the pitches but currently doing duty across the grounds. “We have had a change of policy on tractors, swapping from a higher horsepower unit to a smaller, lighter Kubota compact that can be used on the pitches, but will still be capable of pulling the Groundbreaker, plus a topper that can offer higher workrates on the outfields. But, until the Kubota is delivered, I’ve been putting in about 40 hours a week with the Ransomes!” A second hand lawn tractor is also on order to tow maintenance machinery for the 3G pitch - a dragmat, Sisis SSS 1000


After renovation, the main pitch looking green and healthy 70 PC October/November 2020


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