Taking a closer look at non-turf pitches with Dura-Sport

Do you have an existing artificial cricket pitch that’s seen better days? Looking to install one from scratch? Dura-Sport NTP advisors Lee, Richard, Karl and Tim talk you through the options available to you below

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Maintaining the pitch

If a non-turf pitch, or NTP, is already in situ, then the first places to wear are areas of high traffic such as the creases. “With our own in house teams, we can install PRKs (patch repair kits) to worn creases and undertake a general maintenance of the pitch to extend its lifespan, rather than the expense of a total resurface.” says Karl Eddington, who heads the company’s maintenance department. 

A bigger issue

“However, when both the crease areas and parts of the pitch have worn through, grass has anchored over the edges, and the surface is contaminated with weeds, moss and silt, then the NTP has reached the end of its original lifespan and needs to be examined for either full or part replacement.” 

Lee Jacques continues: “The ball bounce of an NTP is mainly generated from the foundation. Therefore, if the surface is worn but the client is happy with the performance then the pitch can be refurbished rather than fully replaced.” Known as a DS Rejuve project, this popular cost effective process involves remedial works to the existing base before installation of a new shock pad and surface. 

New build or rebuild

“If there are issues with the performance then a new pitch is required and at this point we would talk through the several options available to the client to suit both the end user and budget.”

Below the surface

When installing completely from scratch there are differing foundation options to provide the required NTP performance. Tim Laxton, or one of Dura-Sports other contracts managers, is on site at this stage overseeing the build. “We have both dynamic (stone) and engineered (tarmacadam) bases approved by The ECB. The former is the most popular as it replicates the performance of a well prepared natural track. The latter is more popular in a public space or primary school for example.” Richard Key adds “Regardless of choice, any Dura-Sport foundation carries a 31 year warranty, as in my 31 years here the quality of materials used combined with our installation technique means we have never had to replace one. This is something we are very proud of.” 

Consistency

Rather than traditional pads being laid at 2.50m width or only crease to crease, every Dura-Sport NTP features a shock pad which runs the full length and full width of each pitch. The thicker the pad the less maintenance and increased lifespan. With a standard 5mm thick option through to a superior dual layered 8mm thick underlay, the chosen pad also provides pitch consistency and uniformity.

Durability

Dura-Sport offer all types of materials to surface their NTP’s, with the price differences relating to product durability, lifespan and quality. 

Pitches with low footfall, simply for provision or for a client on a tighter budget are surfaced with one of a number of tufted sports grasses. 

If the pitch is going be subject to heavy use and a lot of foot traffic then clients ideally need to look at a more robust and durable option. This would in the form of a wilton woven cricket carpet. Dura-Sport offer the DSi-weave, manufactured in England exclusively for their non-turf pitches. Lee Jacques added “We continued to develop the surface until it was confirmed as the strongest available in an ECB accredited lab. It is porous, responsive to spin and seam and, due to its strength and density, resistant to spikes.” Whilst DSi-weave is the superior option for an NTP it in turn carries both the longest warranty and average lifespan. The surface was the first in the country to be available in not only traditional green colour but also loam to replicate the look and feel of a well prepared natural pitch. 

“If budget allows, clients should always opt for a wilton woven surface, and should never pay more for a tufted one.” 

The finishing touches

Dura-Sport NTP’s have their crease areas marked out at 22 yards with semi-permanent white line marking paint as standard. Additional lines for junior age groups can be added with different colours. In addition to this, permanent coaching markings can be stitched into the carpets at manufacture, including a DSBT “ball tracker” option. 

Despite being smaller in stature than a practice facility, there are still lots of decisions to be made and options available, showing once again that not all NTP’s are the same in terms of performance, quality, lifespan and subsequently, cost. 

If you are considering an NTP project and require help or further detail, then Dura-Sports non-turf pitch advisors offer free site visits and advice and are here to help.

Click here to find out more