Suffolk County Cricket Board

The current fine weather is making our job a pleasure, but don't hold your breath for Easter.

Approximately 20 Suffolk Groundsmen are booked to attend the IOG Foundation Level Part A Cricket Training Course at Copdock CC on 3rd April 2009.
This is a great response and so important for the quality of pitches in the County and the work of the Suffolk Grounds Association.

My fixture Secretary at Woolpit CC has booked 7 matches at our ground before the end of April, and they wonder why groundmen have a reputation as being
grumpy old devils!

APRIL JOBS

1. Keep cutting the square once a week with a sharp and well set cylinder mower at 12-15mm.
2. Any moss should have been treated by now and should be black.  Rake or lightly scarify out, but be careful not to disturb the surface.
3. Rolling should continue in accordance with the Cranfiled University report.  Hopefully you have all obtained a copy and have taken the findings on board.  A solid base for the season is the key.  In case some of you have not managed to obtain a copy, please follow the link to see a copy of the report - http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/sas/sst/
4. Any weeds present on the square should be cut out with a knife and clover sprayed with a specific herbicide.  Most garden centres sell handguns for this one off treatment.  Don't forget to read the label.  If you have a major weed problem then you must consult a BASIS qualified representative and use a PA1, 2 or 6 qualified spray operator to apply the herbicide.  This applies to the outfields as well.
5. Your fertiliser programme should now include a spring and summer product with a typical 12-0-9 NKP analysis with Fe and Mg.  Apply at a rate of 30grams / square metre.  If you are fortunate to a sprayer, consider using a liquid fertiliser which is a useful tool at this time of year.  The fertiliser is quickly absorbed and there is no waiting for granules to disperse and mowing half of them when it hasn't rained for a week.
6. Squaring up the square and making pitch centres and 10 feet points should be completed as soon as possible.
7. Pitches to be used in the first month of the season will need extra rolling.  Gradually reduce the height of the cut down to 4-5mm ready for play.  The first class grounds are already covering their pitches and this is essential from a least 7 days before matches otherwise rolling will be diluted.  Push on covers are best but flat sheets can be brought for under £200.00 and are a must for every club if all your hard work is preserved to match day.
8. If you have rolled your outfield, consider slitting or vertidraining as this will have a big impact on drainage and is highly recommended.
9. Cricket Force should galvanise your club to spring clean pavilions, paint sight screens and erect nets etc.

TIM PARKER
ECB COUNTY PITCH ADVISOR