Solid foundations at Worcestershire club Barnt Green

In a nostalgic refurbishment, Dura-Sport revisited a net installation of theirs that has truly stood the test of time

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Proof that Dura-Sport offer realistic and honest product warranties was evident on a recent facility refurbishment project at Barnt Green Cricket Club in Worcestershire.

With the original bat and bowl facility constructed by Dura-Sport serving the club for over 20 years, only now was it time for it to be refurbished and upgraded.

It was a nostalgic moment for Lee Jacques at Dura-Sport, who has been in the industry so long that he remembers overseeing the original build. 

"Even before revisiting I confidently told the club that we would not have to excavate out the facility and start again because I remember the quality standards and detail of the original construction," he said.

And Lee was right. Upon visiting, his clegg hammer was met with a flat solid stable foundation, installed with great care and attention by Dura-Sport over 20 years ago. It was the same scenario with the existing cage structure – solid, rust free galvanised steel in no need of replacement or any works. 

Lee added: "When we offer warranties on new build practice facilities that include 31 years for the foundation and steel it is because we know that we have evidence to support them.

"In our 31 years in the industry, we have never replaced a foundation or steelwork that we originally constructed, and Barnt Green is a perfect example."

The club wanted to upgrade their senior facility to offer a realistic comparison to the look and performance of a natural turf wicket. In essence practicing what they play on. 

With the existing synthetic components of the senior facility lifted and removed, it was reconfigured to a modern design. ECB Approved DSi-pro Vision practice pitches replaced the original bat and bowl layout and the sand filled cricket surrounds were replaced by a tri colour natural looking carpet for the run up area. 

Dura-Sport offer an average lifespan on their superior ECB Approved DSi-pro Vision system of 13 years in line with the time its been approved and they are still yet to replace a pad or carpet. The pads and carpets at Barnt Green had lasted for over 20 years. So their new modern system, with improved technology including the strongest carpet available – The DSi-weave - may well see them outlast their predecessor. 

With a solution also required for the junior lanes, the existing batting ends were lifted, refurbished and replaced with new pads and playing surfaces to give them a new lease of life too.

Darren Cullen, who oversaw the project on the club’s behalf, said: "We approached Dura-Sport to quote for options on the refurb of our two twin lane net areas which were both in need of some love and attention after 20 years.  Lee responded in quick time and met with myself on site within one week as we were keen to get a solution in place prior to the start of the 2026 season.

"Dura-Sport came up with excellent ideas across the four lanes in terms of replacing both the bowling and batting ends with a market leading DSi-pro full length pitch along with a foundation change for our two main senior lanes and also upgraded the batting end surfaces in our junior lanes.

This was all within budget and a perfect compromise.  The Dura-Sport installation team were easy to deal with and very low maintenance over the four days they were on site.

"The early feedback from the senior players is that the new system is excellent, offering small movement, a realistic amount of turn and critically really good pace and carry.

"In summary, we are delighted with the whole customer experience as a club."

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