New hybrid pitch at Sowerby Bridge CC

SOWERBY BRIDGE CC have had a stitched hybrid pitch installed by SISGrass UK as part of an ECB trial looking at how hybrid pitches, used in professional cricket, can transfer into the recreational game.

Sowerby Bridge, following its recent troubled times with flooding, has been selected by the ECB to test such a pitch along with others locations in England and Wales.

During 2021 it will be used for several league and/or cup fixtures to establish whether it is possible to increase the amount of cricket that can be played on such pitches.

Sowerby Bridge chairman, Stephen Jordan, said: “We were delighted when we were approached by ECB Facilities Planning Manager, Suzanne Redfern, to be part of this test – a much appreciated plus from all the trials and tribulations we have had in recent years.

“To be honest we hope the rainfall part of the test does not include flood water!

‘We believe our selection shows how much the profile of the Halifax League has risen in recent times.

“The pitch has another four weeks to bed in so we are planning to first use it in mid-May. Its maintenance is hardly any different to that of a standard one, other than the cutting is done with blades at 6mm rather than the usual 5mm to avoid any damage to the technology.

“Once in use we will seeking feedback from all players and officials who are involved in a match on it and all will be collated as part of a report and we thank everyone in anticipation of that.”