Major works to square completed

On the 4th of September our square was re-levelled. We believe this to be the most significant work done on the square for decades and represents another considerable step forwards in the redevelopment of the Club.

The work involved the removal of the saddles at both ends, installation of an entirely new playing surface and dropping the level of the wicket by 4-6 inches. The main purpose of this work is to create a much firmer playing surface and vastly improved playing experience for both batsmen and bowlers. There is no guarantee of any improvement in the first season but the Club will be taking all possible measures to ensure we get as early a return on our investment as possible.

3 stage process:

1. The first stage was to remove the top 2 inches acroiss the entire square. This waste was then removed from the square so the next step could be done.
2. The second stage was then carried out by lowering the saddles and distributing the loose loam to bring the levels up on the lower end of the square. This was done until they had reached the desired levels.
3. The third stage was over-seeding, mating in and rolling in with tractor then applying a fertiliser to help germination of the seed and feed it in the early stages of growth.

An entirely new seed bed has been installed. This will mean our wicket is now composed of just one grass species, instead of five or six that had emerged over the years. A grass surface of a single desired species which will also help with consistent bounce and movement and being able to not have to shave the grass down below 4mm which will allow for better recovery between games.

We should expect to see some germination of the new grass within a week if temperatures are favourable. The process is then to cut when needed through the winter plus maintain applications of a winter feed to strengthen the grass in development. Once we are through the winter and into March we will start the rolling programme to consolidate the surface for the playing season.

Gary Holland
Effingham CC Groundsman