Suffolk County Cricket Board

The recent sharp frosts will have slowed down growth and disease pressure so we enter the winter period with some of the best looking squares
I have ever seen for this time of year as regards colour, density, growth and root development.

I’m concerned that many wickets have been neglected since autumn renovation and excessive growth on and around the square has not been
kept at 15 – 25mm, ¾ - 1inch with a sharp rotary and leaves and debris boxed off. Worm casts, fungal disease and weeds are all potentially
damaging if not controlled with a simple spray programme.

Fertiliser uptake has been huge this autumn and the second or even third phase of your autumn applications needs to be on or in the pipeline.

Ryegrass is a one seed one plant cultivar and therefore needs plenty of potash and a little nitrogen and phosphate at this time of year and a
little nitrogen and potash during the season.

If spraying and fertiliser spreading is a concern or problem to your club please contact me for advice and assistance.

The next major job will be pre- season rolling and initial pitch preparation and marking.

The Suffolk Grounds Association is planning some spring workshops to cover all this and they must not be missed by any club in Suffolk
who cares about their pitch.

All clubs will be informed  by email of dates and locations and as they are free and essential make sure you are already planning for the
the appropriate personnel from your club to attend.

A very Happy Christmas to you all
Tim Parker
County Pitch Advisor.
07714332001 Mobile

Cricket groundsmen around the county have had a wonderful chance to really renovate and repair their squares this autumn without bad weather upsetting their plans.

After the previous two workshops  proved to be a great success, the SGA is holding its final workshop in 2011 on the 17th November 2011 at the premises of Tomlinson Groundcare, 1 Brettenham Road, Hall Orchard, Buxhall, Stowmarket, IP14 3DL 

The second workshop organised by the Suffolk Grounds Association was held at Stowmarket Cricket Club on the 24th August 2011.

The evening was supported by 25 members of the SGA or from clubs affiliated to the Suffolk Cricket Board.

The evening concentrated on the Autumn Renovation Programme and in particular what groundstaff should be undertaking before any renovation work is started.

We were again fortunate to be joined by Mr Andy Clarke (ECB/IOG Regional Advisor) who ran through the reasons why a core sample should be taken before any repairs are commenced.  He came armed with some core samples and it was very enlightening to all who attended.  The gathering then moved outside with Andy explaining what needs to be achieved on the square prior to scarifying the surface to remove any thatch.

Unfortunately the evening light went rather quickly before any practical demonstration could be completed on the square.  However the talk given by Andy was very well received and even the most experienced groundsman would have picked up some fresh ideas and some knowledge from the evening.

Thanks must go to Andy Clarke who again gave up his time and also to Stowmarket Cricket Club, who hosted the evening, cooked a delicious barbeque, and arranged for the bar to be open.

The SGA will be holding other workshops in the future so keep checking the SCB website for details.  If any member or groundsman would like a workshop to concentrate on a particular area of groundsmanship please contact me as below.

David Oakes
SECRETARY
SUFFOLK GROUNDS ASSOCIATION
Email: - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Mobile:-07500 892442

A selection of pictures can be found here