Design & installation: Non-turf Cricket Net Facility
Brief:
Having secured significant funding grants from both Sport England’s Inspired Facilities stream and Biffa’s landfill tax, the Somerset side embarked on a project to upgrade its facilities with the installation of a brand new three-lane cricket practice facility, purchase of an electronic score board and the upgrading of its non-turf match pitch.
TP Solution:
With funding secured, England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Code of Practice installer for non-turf pitches total-play Ltd was commissioned to design and install the new practice system and also undertake refurbishment works on the existing non-turf match pitch.
To meet both the club’s playing requirements and the ECB’s specification demands, total-play Ltd proposed a 27m long, open-ended nets facility based on its ECB-approved tp365 non-turf system; which would also form the basis of the match pitch refurbishment. The practice system design also included total-play’s HD Protection Tunnel netting system, which effectively forms a ‘cocoon’ around each lane to prevent injuries from balls flying between lanes; complete with a bespoke anti-rodent feature.
The project required considerable knowledge and skill on the contractors’ part as significant earth works – including the grading of the new match pitch into the existing outfield – were required to ensure that the facilities met the ECB’s rigorous standards.
With work completed in Spring 2013, the new facilities were launched with much fanfare in May; the ribbon on the new practice facility being cut by Somerset senior player and England Lion, Steve Kirby.
“We assessed the market and made site visits to look at the quality of installations. Above all we were looking for value for money so that we had the best quality facilities we could afford. From our first contact with total-play we felt there was a strong commitment to working with us to get the best outcome for the club. This attitude has persisted throughout the negotiations and the installation, and in meeting the requirements of our grant funders.”
Club Groundsman John Parsons
