NSC ground staff gets timely match preparation tips

As St Vincent and the Grenadines gets prepared to host a regional cricket match next month, members of the ground staff of the National Sports Council were last Friday, at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, tipped on preparations for such undertakings.{{more}}

Selwyn Allen, a WICB match referee and Goaland Greaves, a WICB trainer and a former WICB regional umpire, were the facilitators.

Among the requirements that Allen mentioned as priority were the preparation of adjacent pitches, the availability of light and heavy rollers and the remarking of the creases during the drinks break and at the intervals.

He also told the ground staff that the umpires would like to know the source and the direction of bad weather, to ensure there are adequate covers for the bowlers run-up and the square as well as the importance of having drying agents, saw dust, water hog etc.

Other issues Allen mentioned were that the umpires would like them to identify any problem areas on the outfield and to repair all foot holes during the breaks, as well as at the end of the day’s play; the sightscreen should be adequate in size and be placed in the correct position at all times.

Providing each member of the ground staff with a copy of the checklist, Allen implored them to use it as a guide.

Greaves, in his presentation, spoke about the preparation of the pitch and why the grass or seeds should be planted at a certain depth.

He also spoke about pitch preparation for a match and why they should start preparing early and the consequences if the pitch is not properly prepared.

He reminded them that whenever the pitch is to be cut during a match, it must be done with the same level blade, as well as on a daily basis.

Lapping up the session, two of the members of the ground staff said they were impressed with the presentations by the facilitators. Errol Hannibal listed the marking of the crease as one area that was new knowledge to him. Also Horace Franklyn noted that the workshop was timely, as it not only reignited his interest, but provided him with new knowledge.

The workshop was initiated by the NSC’s operations supervisor Nixon Mc Lean.

Two of the seasoned groundsmen – Patrick “Tall Boy” John and Lenford Goodluck – both retired in 2015. William “Bill” Edwards has since been installed as head groundsman, replacing John.(RT)