Following a warm start to the spring, preparation work has been in full swing in the cricket parks around Christchurch.

A few showers over the last 7 days have dulled the dust and helped to keep the grass green but has certainly not dampened the enthusiasm of the ground keepers around the clubs.With pre-season cross rolling and spring renovations out of the way, the focus has turned to getting that first strip ready for play on 7 October. 

How lucky are the players of Christchurch to be turning out on quality grass pitches at this time of the year?

This weekend will also be a busy one with plenty of pre-season action, trial games and final preparations for the season.

Special thanks to Andy Quinn at Hagley Oval for helping with our pre-season audit.  It is a busy time of year for Andy, getting grounds at Hagley, Sydenham, Beckenham and Waltham ready.

Experienced International Turf Manager Tom Tamati has also joined the network and will be looking after St Bedes and St Albans Park.

Article added: Tuesday 26 September 2023