Devon Cricket Board - Groundsmen in a classroom? Whatever next?

Groundsmen in a classroom? Whatever next?

March and September of this year were important months for the Devon Cricket Groundsmans Association. Over 35 groundsmen from across Devon turned out pre and post season to learn more about preparing and renovating cricket pitches. With the aim of improving the standard of pitches we play on in the county, the DCGA hosted 2 Institute Of Groundsmanship (I.O.G) courses at Sandford Cricket Club.

With a theoretical and practical approach, everyone, no matter how experienced picked up new ideas, tips and new ways of working. The first course (Foundation Part A) held back in March focused on preparing cricket squares and pitches ready for the coming summer. Guided by Len 'Top Dog' Smith and Wayne 'I Love Devon' Duggan, everyone learnt a great deal about the following topics:

Definition of surface
Assessment of surface
Early spring maintenance
Mowing, scarifying and brushing
Aeration, Irrigation, Rolling
Fertiliser application
Preparing the square
Preparation of the match pitch
Pitch repair and renovation
Maintenance of the outfield
Maintenance of non-turf pitches

Additionally, candidates learnt a new technique for repairing foot-holes left by bowlers which can be used between innings.

Compared to the course held in the spring, the Foundation Part B course had a more practical element to it. Those attending were lucky enough to have Adrain Panks from Sisis and Steve Dommett and the gang from Devon Garden Machinery attending with a vast array of machinery. With Charlie 'The Worker' Woolnough providing the majority of the labour, candidates were shown how to renovate an entire square. The course included:

Definition of surface
Assessment of surface
Safe working practices
Scarification
Aeration
Repairs and renovation
Overseeding
Top dressing
Fertiliser application
Care of outfield

Maintaining non turf surfaces

Also supporting the course were Charlie Hughes, Andrew Cameron and Colin Whitehall, the ECB Pitch Advisors for West, North and East. Charlie Woolnough, both Chairman of the DCGA and an ECB Pitch Advisor for South Devon, assisted Len Smith with the delivery of the course. The rep for BLADE was also in attendance offering advice to groundsmen.

Our thanks to Sandford Cricket Club for hosting the course, Len, Wayne and Charlie for delivering the courses and to DGM & Sisis for attending and showing everyone their equipment.

With more courses scheduled for next spring and autumn, please get in touch with the Devon Cricket Groundsmans Association to see how you can become involved. Contact the DCGA Secretary - Geoff Coish: admin@devoncricketleague.com or 01626 835282

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773