From "playground to Test ground"

DEM Sports are ensuring cricket can be enjoyed by all thanks to their revolutionary netting systems

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When it comes to batting, practice is hugely important. And one of the best ways to practise is to treat every net like a match situation. But few nets have a surface that is like those which will greet batsmen out in the middle.

However, training out in the middle can be difficult, as either coaches have to fetch balls or groundsmen need to get their team to erect netting around the wicket.

DEM Sports solve this problem and they did so on one of cricket’s most famous stages, at Lord’s during the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

Jane Barr from DEM Sports picks up the story: “The team went down to Lord’s and installed four mobile cages to be used during the World Cup where they were used by a number of sides including England and Australia.”

Their Combi cages could be easily wheeled on to the square and would do no damage to the pitch.

“The Combi cages at Lord’s were brilliant. They enabled players to practise in the middle, ahead of the game.”

There is no substitute for how it feels when out in the middle and DEM Sports took international sides training at Lord’s as close as they can to that feeling without it being a matchday.

“The main advantage of the Combi cage is its size. It is so mobile and with a fixed back section and three folding front sections the ball will not escape. Lord’s required a specific style of cage, so we provided a bespoke design that was longer than usual and with the nets hanging inside. This lessens the ricochet effect when a ball hits the metal.

“We were delighted to be able to work to and meet their specification.”

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The Combi cage ready to be rolled onto the square at Lord's

DEM Sports’ aim is to be go-to equipment supplier “from playground to Test ground” and they are certainly succeeding.

As well as providing top-quality cages to elite cricketers, their products also help children fall in love with the game, often in areas where cricket was previously unable to be played.

“The Concertina cages are completely unique as they are perfect for areas where space is at a premium,” Barr explained. School playgrounds can be compact, especially in cities, which makes cricket a dangerous game to play. However, the Concertina cage can be closed on all sides, meaning those who aren’t involved in the game are in no danger of being hit. Then the cage easily folds away against the wall, opening up the entire playground once more.

“They are incredibly easy to set up once installed. The single lane cage requires only one person. The multi-sport cage needs two people because it is wider and has more space within it.

“Our team will come in to install any of our cages. We would do all the checks to make sure the space is right for them and will make sure the wall which they are fixed upon is suitable. Once they are happy the ground and wall conditions are right they will install everything for you, then you are good to go.”

The Concertina cages are making a huge difference across London schools, many of whom would never have been able to have a space to play cricket safely.

“With the support of Canary Wharf plc we have installed cages in 20 schools across the London borough of Tower Hamlets.”

These cages are not just limited to cricket use. Rather they can be a safe enclosed space for any sport. And they are, without doubt, doing a lot of good.

For more information visit www.demsports.com or call 01354 610353

Quote 'THECRICKETER' for 5% off your equipment order

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