Synthetic Pitch on Turf Wicket Ovals

Case Study - Donvale Reserve Oval #2

The synthetic wicket has been in place for approximately 6-7 years.

Some of the issues for Donvale CC along with some points worth considering are summarised below:

  • Ensure the wicket is level with the surrounds. This can be a significant issue as players fielding behind the synthetic pitch can receive injuries from balls striking an uneven edge of the wicket.

  • Donvale CC have made an effort to only have under 12 or low grade under 14 teams utilise the synthetic wicket due to wear and tear on the turf wicket. In the majority of cases this is not an issue and has no impact on the seniors game.

  • Issues arise with not being able to put covers down when the weather is threatening and rain is present, however not enough to force the junior teams from the ground

  • The club and curator must ensure they are all aware of who has control of the ground. In Donvale CC’s case the curator (council appointed) has ultimate control and will determine whether covers should be placed even if this means an interruption to junior cricket. This works well if the curator is generally present for the majority of each weekend.

  • A solution that proved quiet effective for one day junior matches was that the covers were laid (or not removed from Friday night) and any ball struck onto and remains on the covered area was automatically given 1 run.

  • Senior players wearing spikes have generally had no issue. The wicket is a standard synthetic wicket and no covering is applied for senior matches, and there has yet to be any damage caused by spikes or injuries to players as a result of slipping.

  • As a positive, the synthetic wicket has given Donvale CC access to a synthetic centre wicket for training as well as a ground that can host junior finals/veterans games at home.

Ultimately this addition of the synthetic wicket has been of benefit to Donvale CC. However, as demonstrated in the points above, there are some issues that should be addressed by any council/club looking at doing the same.

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