GROUND EXPERTISE

From Martin Deans

ECB COUNTY PITCH ADVISER SCHEME
AND THE COUNTY CRICKET GROUNDSMEN ASSOCIATION

The pitch advisor scheme is run by the ECB in connection with the Institute of Groundsmanship and is an Advisory and consultation service to clubs to help assess and ultimately improve the quality of the Grounds that we play on, to try and develop wickets of quality throughout the county. For clubs wishing to progress through the league structures as well as developing their junior sides the pitch advisor can help with the improvement of the ground through the consultation process which includes a detailed assement of the grass quality and quantity, root structure within the soil profile, and chemical annaylis of the soil core to develop correct fertilizing programme, advice on the best course of end of season renovations, these are just some of the aspects of the service to which we can provide. As well as having a comprehensive data base of contractors to recommend in construction or Re construction of grounds to being able to source the best price for seed the pitch advisor is now considered an essential part of Ground improvement and development throughout the country.
For further information on any aspects of this service please telephone the Lincolnshire County Pitch Advisor Martin Deans on 01472 269044/07971087891, or email martindeans@btinternet.com
It is also recommended that the groundspearson at your club become a member of the Lincolnshire Cricket Grounds Association, we meet monthly throughout the winter normally and listen to some of the most respected figures of the grounds industry, from groundsmen that look after test match venues and county grounds to machinery suppliers it really is a must that if you are involved in the ground preparation you make it a priority to join and support this association.
For any further information please contact Martin Deans as above or the association secretary Mike Savage at mikesavage199@btinternet.com.at the Lincoln Lindum club. For a small membership fee you will have the chance to come.