The Pitch

[SouthRushdenJFC]

Joe Merrill's the smallest, I hope he can swim, otherwise he may not get picked on elf and safety grounds

[davealbon]

Joe Merrill's the smallest, I hope he can swim, otherwise he may not get picked on elf and safety grounds

You deserve to be banned for that! ;)

[paulk]

Been in lunchtime. Because its a flood plane situation forking is a complete waste of time -it would be like taking a fork into the sea! Also it would destabilise large areas and turn into mush. The holes would fill straight back up. It has to drain away naturally and that depends on river levels dropping. The pump is on so efforts are being made. The pitch -bar the far end has actually drained well from all the rain-this is outside a normal rain scenario this is all about rivers levels. All on tonight.

Paul, one thing I noticed last week when on the pitch, its quite bumpy, due to what looks like worm "sh1t" the best way to describe it, and a bit lumpy here and there. What would be the impact on rolling the pitch, I guess its not been done for a reason, ie damaging grass etc.

Sorry to anybody else, I realize this could turn a little boring to read

Hi pal. Generally speaking most rolling on a pitch is undertaken when mowing with a cylinder mower. That is usually more than enough of a roll. In fact adding weight to a pitch especially in winter is sucicide for compaction reasons. Its going to take time. The levels on the pitch are poor -it needs a good topdressing to improve the levels (cost) and it needs regular aeration (cost) . When a pitch is already compact and hard rolling actually adds to problem makes the depressions more corrigated and obvious.
Credit to club here -and you are correct with your worm observation-i suggested to club they be sprayed off and thats been done. So thats one less issue. Truth is ron it has issues and it probably wont get better this season. But rest assured it will improve over time. There are good people involved at club and gradually we will improve situation. Just takes time,cost, processes put in place and understanding pitch as it is and it all takes time.

[paulk]

As an aside will be interesting to see how quickly the water moves back tonight. Some form of cut off drain along that goaline may need to be considered this summer to help separate training pitch and stadium water issues.

[ron manager]

11am pitch inspection, but has the water left the pitch?

[Mat.H]

As an aside will be interesting to see how quickly the water moves back tonight. Some form of cut off drain along that goaline may need to be considered this summer to help separate training pitch and stadium water issues.

"Stadium" I think that's a bit over the top when describing the Dog and Duck.

[FOOTYMAN]

I agree with the description of the Duck and Dog. I see it more of an ARENA than a stadium. Let's hope the dry weather continues and the rain that is forecast, bypasses us and we can get another 3 points in the bag.
Well done and great work by all volunteers for keeping everything on track.

COYD

[mattreddan]

Pitch looks bad but could have been worse.

for example, Northampton Spencer...

[diamondex]

The pitch at 2.50 this afternoon!!

[Red Dragon]

It brings a whole new meaning to the phrase "Diamonds brought on their subs..." :mrgreen: