Point’s pitch beginning to take shape for new season
Pleasant Point Cricket Club’s grass wicket is beginning to take shape.
The recently laid pitch is looking good and the club is hopeful it will be ready for their first home game against Star, and first match on the new block.
The pitch area isn’t the problem it’s the end of the outfield.
The pitch has a nice grass covering, has been rolled and is hard but it’s the end of the ground that could force them to delay the October 15 encounter.
Pleasant Point Cricket Club member and pitch volunteer Chris Murphy said they were still aiming for week two.
‘‘I think it will be fine. The grass is beginning to grow. We just need some warmth now.
‘‘The area is getting plenty of water and is starting to come right.’’
He said former Aorangi Oval groundsman Mike Davies, who is now looking after the University Oval strip, was still offering plenty of advice.
Recently laid grass seed from where work had been done at the northern end was beginning to sprout, meaning there is a chance it could be ready.
Pleasant Point club captain Cameron Lundie said things were going nicely. ‘‘I’m happy with it and where things are at. We’re certainly excited to get out there and play on it and see how it performs.’’ Lundie was hopeful there would be both plenty of wickets and runs in the pitch.
‘‘We just want to play good games of cricket there that are competitive but at the same time make it a bit of a fortress for ourselves.’’
He said it would be nice getting the chance to finally play at their home venue, after they spent all of the 2015-16 season at Aorangi Oval.
‘‘We are looking forward to having both our club teams be able to play here at home.’’ Lundie said there was still plenty of time for the grass to come through.
‘‘We have about two weeks but if it isn’t quite right then we will have to look at swapping. It’s our only home game for the first round since Waimate pulled out.’’
Originally it was thought the boundaries might be a touch small but at 53m straight they will be similar to a number of other grounds around the province.
Lundie thanked the Mid South Canterbury Trust and Pub Charity for their help to get the pitch done.