Viva la non-turf revolution!

The installation of non-turf cricket pitches is revolutionising play and driving up participation at grassroots clubs across the country, as MD of cricket pitch specialist total-play Ltd, David Bates, explains…

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As we finally emerge from lockdown with hope that there will be no further interruptions to sport, community clubs play a vital role in giving people the chance to get out and get some exercise. 

This is where cricket clubs that have invested in non-turf facilities, whether a permanent nets system or a ‘match pitch’ at the side of the table, can really reap the benefits. The non-turf pitch (or NTP) offers the ability to practise at pretty much any time – without the need to involve volunteers and groundmen in preparing a pitch or relying on grass wickets having been covered before rainfall. 

But this isn’t the only benefit. With the ECB’s rigorous standards to measure up to, the latest generation of NTPs have been designed to offer consistent pace and bounce and the correct performance to encourage and develop both bowlers and batsmen. All in all, it’s little wonder that clubs with decent non-turf practice facilities are seeing burgeoning memberships at both junior and senior levels. 

There are solutions out there for clubs with pretty much any budget – whether it’s installing an NTP match pitch and investing in a mobile batting cage that can be moved around the ground to create a practice facility, or bespoke enclosed practice facility with all the bells and whistles. 

Whatever route suits your club, it’s essential to do your research and ensure the solution you choose is approved by the ECB so that it is up to the job. 

Older non-turf pitches that don’t meet the latest criteria aren’t beneficial to play, but the good news is a professional installation team should be able to refurbish if not completely replace the facility to bring it up to the mark and allow the club to make the most of this important asset. 

Find out about total-play Ltd’s range of six ECB-approved non turf pitch system designs here: www.total-play.co.uk

Got a question for our expert groundsman? Let us know at magazine@thecricketer.com

During his residency at Northants CCC, David Bates gained a reputation for preparing some of the finest pitches in the country. Having worked as a pitch advisor and trainer for the IoG David now heads up totalplay Ltd where he has developed class-leading non-turf cricket pitch and pitch cover solutions

For more information, visit www.total-play.co.uk or call 01604 864 575