Many of you will know, in recent seasons the outfield at our ground in Abingworth has struggled with drainage. Over the last few days steps have been taken to resolve the problem.
Thanks to the equipment on loan from Ben Hogan, and some willing volunteers in the shape of Ben himself, Ollie Hogan, Sam Collyer, Stephen Hodgson, Al Reeves, Josh and Charlie Reeves, the process of improving the drainage is well on the way.
Step one involved digging a 50m long trench (extending the square drainage) around the east side of the square. In went protective membrane, pipe, stones, sand and top soil. This extends the drainage around the atrifical wicket. In addition, a tractor has carved foot-deep lines into the entire outfield which (without going into detail) will help drainage also.
Step two is adding two extra wickets to the square. A much needed addition if you knew how many games of cricket we now commit to grass across the many junior and senior team fixtures we have each season.
Finally step three will be to reduce the angle of the bank at the north end of the ground, so it's less steep, and digging a trench at the foot of the bank in an effort to improve drainage here also.
Well done to all involved. An astronomical effort which will only benefit the 100s of players who will be using the ground next season.
Update.... 22 November
To make the most of the good weather the team including Sam, Ben and Stephen were out all day working on phase two - adding two extra strips to the square. They were working literally all day and still there at 7.30pm when this camera man went home!
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