Pitch Preparation Day

Hosted by experienced turf educator and curator John Shannon, the one day course will be held at Melbourne Grammar School’s Edwin Flack Park, Todd Road, Port Melbourne from 7:00am to 3:00pm.

Australia has been a leading nation in global cricket for over a century. Much of this success is due to the quality of the grounds prepared and used at the grassroots of cricket. Today we have even higher standards being requested and achieved.

The Pitch Preparation Day will offer something for everyone engaged in the seasonal task of building, preparing and maintaining a quality cricket pitch.

Subjects to be covered on the day include: 

1. Overview of how to prepare a pitch 

2. Introduction and pitch selection/rotation

3. Marking up a pitch 

4. String line out a pitch and wicket table markings

5. Cutting a pitch

6. Watering of pitch and wicket table

7. Rolling the pitch at different stages of preparation

8. Cross rolling 

9. Grassing up the pitch

10. Repairing damaged pitches

11. Hessian and cover use

12. Sodding a pitch

13. Other tasks include – growth cloth, sprigging, seeding, fertilising, mower heights, preparing grass clippings

14. Summary  

15. Evaluation 

The objective is to enhance the skills of each attendee in delivering an improved delivery of a professional cricket pitch to your local Association.

For more information or to register, download the information and registration form.