With under two months to go until the return of competitive cricket to Chelmsford, the Grounds Team are well underway with pitch preparations for the upcoming season.
The turf has been aerated to release any toxic gasses and improve root development before being rolled to settle the soil down.
Since then the team have been busy cutting the pitch, just by a few millimetres, to encourage sideways growth and thicken the grass.
During the next phase of preparations, the Team will be bringing covers back onto the pitch to start the drying process before they cut wickets for outdoor nets in six weeks’ time.
Meanwhile, Luke Lloyd of the Essex Grounds Team spent three days with Ipswich Town FC as part of the Building, Refining and Developing Sportsturf (BRADS) scheme, spending time at the training ground and helping prepare the stadium for matchday use.
The BRADS scheme, formerly the Sports Turf Industry Placement Programme, was developed by Essex Head Groundsperson Stuart Kerrison, Watford FC Grounds Manager Scott Tingley and former Arsenal FC Head Groundsperson Steve Braddock. The name of the programme was changed from STIPP to BRADS after the passing of Steve Braddock in 2022.
The scheme is designed to offer opportunities for groundspeople to develop their skills in different sports, stadia and environments with Luke Lloyd’s placement hopefully being the first of many as the industry looks to widen its sharing of knowledge and skills.
Join the Groundstaff
There are currently two opportunities available to work as part of the Essex County Cricket Club Groundstaff. We’re looking for a Lead Grounds Person to look after the preparation and maintenance of playing facilities at Billericay CC, where the Club’s development centre is based. A seasonal position is also available to assist the Lead Grounds Person at Billericay CC.
If you’re interested in joining our highly experienced and successful Team, apply via the link below.
