News

Artificial Cricket Pitches – Early Season Maintenance

Thu, 10 May 2012 19:45:00 GMT

The cricket season is upon us again, although you may not have noticed due to the wonderful English climate! However, the rainy start of the season does mean that the typical pre-season maintenance carried out on your artificial cricket pitches may need to be extended a little longer than is usually the case.

All non-turf cricket pitch systems benefit from a pre-season weed killing, and rolling 2-3 times in March & April, using a five or six hundredweight (about quarter to third of a ton) hand roller in order to bed the synthetic materials back onto the bases to counter any potential winter frost heave within the sub-base.

However, as aggregate based cricket pitch systems are designed to hold a little moisture in order to replicate a natural pitch, the extra rain we have been having may mean the pitches have become over saturated, and they may not provide enough pace and bounce for a decent game of cricket. Therefore continuing to roll the pitches once a week or so for 10-15 minutes, especially just before matches, will help to squeeze out this excess moisture, and firm up the bases to increase the pace and bounce in the early season.

The wet ground conditions also mean that grass clippings or wind borne seeds may be taking hold in the synthetic materials. An extra application of a glyphosphate-based herbicide may be required this year.

A less common side effect of all the recent rain is that mud may be washed onto, or seem to come out of, the synthetic materials. During extremely heavy rainfall, the rainwater may not be able to drain through the aggregate layers as quickly as it falls from the skies, especially if the aggregate is already saturated as described above. If the water cannot drain quickly enough and backs up, it will lift any mud that has been trodden into the synthetic grass surface out of the material, and leave it back on the surface when it does eventually dissipate.

If this does occur, carefully scrape off the surface mud with a flat edge such as a shovel, and then, although it may seem counter intuitive given the recent rainfall, use a pressure washer to remove any remaining dirt. Then a final hand roll to squeeze out the excess moisture, and you should be left with a non-turf pitch that’s nearly as good as new.

For further advice on how best to look after your S&C Slatter artificial cricket systems, or if you would prefer to take advantage of our specialist maintenance service, please contact the main office on 01635 34521, and our expert team will be happy to offer you our assistance.

S&C Slatter exhibiting 3G Football Turf

Thu, 03 May 2012 10:36:00 GMT

S&C Slatter and their artificial turf manufacturing partners, GreenFields, have exhibited their products and services at the London Football Trade Directory Open Day. The exclusive event brought together football clubs and specialist service providers in an informative networking environment.

There has been significant interest in 3G football turf systems within the professional and semi-professional game recently, not least with the well-publicised efforts of Accrington Stanley FC and Wycombe Wanderers FC keen to reignite the debate in regard to artificial grass surfaces for football.

With S&C Slatter’s proven construction expertise and GreenFields superb 3G football products there was significant interest and discussion with clubs, architectural practices and coaches regarding latest product developments and lucrative project business cases.

S&C Slatter are currently delivering a new full size 3G pitch for Poole Town Football Club, working in conjunction with GreenFields on what will be the first 3G woven pitch of its kind in the UK.

For more information on 3G football turf and how these FIFA and FA approved systems can generate revenue for your club, contact S&C Slatter on 01635 34521.

Contract Award

Thu, 03 May 2012 10:38:00 GMT

S&C Slatter have been awarded the contract to deliver a new macadam Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) at St Crispin's School, Wokingham. These specialist sports construction works suit the in-house capabilities of the company, as proven by their extensive portfolio of sports and play facilities.

GreenFields and their construction partner S&C Slatter delivers 3G Artificial Turf Pitch for the Stanley Park

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:43:00 GMT

S&C Slatter were delighted with the recent positive comments from the staff and local authority officials at the Stanley Park 3G pitch opening ceremony. The new 3^rd Generation all weather pitch facility delivered by GreenFields (Sports Surfaces) UK and their construction partners S&C Slatter received glowing praise from all present, and the opening ceremony was topped off with news that the facility had won the best community facility award, presented annually by the IOG.

New Pitch Construction in Beaminster at Mountjoy School - 60m x 40m 3G Pitch

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:07:00 GMT

S&C Slatter are currently on site building a new pitch to meet the latest performance requirements of the FA and FIFA 1 star.

The construction process involves extensive earthworks and a comprehensive land drainage system, with a Greenfields 40mm surface.

Full floodlighting, fencing, line marking and sports equipment will complete the line up and the school are very happy the works so far.

St Bartholomew's School, Newbury - New School; New Sports Facilities

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:04:00 GMT

Awarded in June 2011, and completed in record time, S&C Slatter undertook a project at our most local Secondary School. Please see the below PDF attachment with a full portfolio recently published in the Old Newburians Magazine.

St Barts - Old Newburians Magazine.pdf

Falkland Cricket Club - Official Opening of Twin Lane Cricket Nets

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:53:00 GMT

The England and Wales Cricket Trust Grant Aid Programme donated £14,000 towards the £25,000 total cost of the new two-bay practice area after being identified by the Berkshire Cricket Board and the ECB as a club of strategic and developmental importance.

"The new facility is ideal for the development of young cricketers" said Falkland committee member Wilson Carlisle. "We have over 120 young players at the club and we have now been able to introduce a much more structured coaching programme through our ECB qualified coaches."

The club already has ECB Clubmark and Focus Club status, and is a 'Chance to Shine' rated club which provides coaching and playing opportunities in six local schools, giving the club eligbility to apply for the grant.

Charlotte Edwards was welcomed to the club by chairman Derek Bell, and others attending included the Mayor of Newbury Councillor Jeff Beck Falkland Councillor Howard Bairstow and James Theunissen of club sponsors Strutt and Parker.

The club look forward to many years of enjoyment and development out of their nets facility.

Eltham College selects S&C Slatter for cricket …. again!

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:10:00 GMT

They say ‘you’re only as good as your last job’, and for S&C Slatter our 20-year working relationship with Eltham College is the strongest testament to our consistent delivery of quality.

The most recent sports facility project has been the design and construction of a first class 4-bay cricket practice facility for the Junior School. The Junior School cricket squad are eager to get stuck into their practice session and feedback from all involved has been glowing, as Master of Junior School, Edmund Cavendish explains, ‘we’ve been delighted to receive this new facility. The pupils relish their practice sessions and the whole facility offers a safe and attractive means to hone their skills. This investment into the Junior School further adds to the excellent of range of quality facilities we have here.’

The project was developed in conjunction with Tony Timms, Estate Manager, whose personal working relationship with S&C Slatter extends back over many years, ‘I have been working with S&C Slatter for many years, we installed our first non-turf match pitch here nearly 20 years ago. I’ve been pleased to work with the company time and time again. They offer an excellent level of service and quality, and are a pleasure to deal with. They understand cricket and cricket facilities and have been involved in the design as well as the building of the facilities here.’

The new practice net facility for the Junior School included:

4 lane, full length synthetic turf practice pitches
NottsSport ECB approved Envelope System – specifically selected as the system that most closely matches natural pitches
Bespoke design for the cage system, to prevent cricket balls escaping into adjacent tennis courts.
Fully synthetic low maintenance surrounds to the lanes, to provide a year-round, clean and attractive training area.

Eltham College, founded in 1842, has a long standing and enviable reputation for the highest quality in academic and sporting achievement. The College has a desire to create the best education experience for their pupils, and continued investment into quality sports facilities has seen the relationship with S&C Slatter deliver a number of cricket match and practice facilities around the 60 acre site.

Cedar Hall Artificial Pitch

Tue, 31 May 2011 14:57:00 GMT

S&C Slatter have recently produced a new synthetic sports surface at Cedar Hall School in Benfleet, Essex.

As part of the facility, S&C Slatter also created:

- A heavy duty fencing system
- Areas for spectators
- Access paths
- Goal recesses

The artificial pitch is fully floodlit, allowing it to be well utilised by pupils and members of the local community

This 3G pitch has an engineered macadam base and was built in line with FIFA 1 performance standards.

The project was part funded by The Football Foundation, an organisation which supports grass roots football and which receives funding from the FA, the Government and the Premier League.

Dumpton School Cricket Facilities

Tue, 31 May 2011 14:54:00 GMT

S&C Slatter have recently agreed to work with Dumpton School to build their new cricket facilities.

Dumpton School is based in Wimborne, Dorset and is an independent school for children aged 2-13. They asked us to resurface their existing 30metre cricket pitch, as well as installing a new 24.2metre artificial cricket surface pitch and a new triple lane cricket practice facility.

Before carrying out the resurfacing of the existing cricket pitch, S&C Slatter remove their existing surface, clean the facility, level and prepare the ground and refurbish the existing stump boxes. The Notts Grass KDK artificial cricket surface is then installed and marked out.

Building their cricket facility includes taking down their existing cages, levelling and preparing the surface before constructing:

- Three 11.0m x 2.74m Envelope System Batting Ends (ECB approved)
- Three 8.0m x 2.74m Bowling Ends
- Triple lane cage & netting facility (ECB recommended)
- NottsSward surround material

They will then install their new purpose built artificial cricket surface. This will be a Junior Envelope System® that is approved by the ECB. This will minimise the maintenance that the club will need to carry out on the pitch and provide them with a surface for maximum performance.

Soho Parish School

Tue, 31 May 2011 14:52:00 GMT

In partnership with Mansell Construction, S&C Slatter are about to undertake the installation of a synthetic play surface at Soho Parish School in London.

This installation was contracted as part of a wider project to build new facilities at the school.

The play surface is to cover an area of 125sq metres and is to replace the existing tarmac surface in a range of different colours using the NottsSward non-slip, child-friendly surfacing. The project will consist of a number of sections including:

- 12sqm ChildsPlay 150 surfaced with NottsSward Tillet Red
- 30.4sqm NottsSward Tillet Red (in 2 sections)
- 54qsm NottsSward Olive Green.
- 28sqm NottsSward Navy Blue
- Three circles of NottsSward.

This work is due to commence in the coming weeks over the school's Easter holiday.

Beckington Cricket Club

Tue, 31 May 2011 14:43:00 GMT

S&C Slatter are about to install an envelope system match pitch at Beckington Cricket Club.

Beckington are a cricket club based in Somerset that has been active since 1884. They needed the new pitch to meet increasing demand as their junior section has grown rapidly over recent year, now having over forty under 12s at the club.

The envelope system used is an artificial cricket surface approved by the ECB that has a hard porous base which can adjust to moisture and compaction. Its key features are:

- Clean angular stone to provide solid, free draining base
- NottsFilm geotextile membrane to prevent aggregate layers mixing or becoming contaminated, thereby ensuring the consistency of the upper performance layer and thus allowing future refurbishment
- 50mm consolidated depth of selected hard porous aggregate to provide realistic, true cricket performance to UK levels
- Full length 5mm thickness resin-bonded NottsPad shockpad to protect base levels and minimise maintenance
- NottsGrass KDK cricket surface for maximum performance (average lifespan 10 years)

The pitch will be installed in April.

Falkland Cricket Club

Tue, 31 May 2011 14:39:00 GMT

Falkland Cricket Club contacted S&C Slatter when they wanted a new double lane cricket practice facility built at their grounds in Newbury, Berkshire.

Falklands were looking to raise the profile of their Cricket facilities and to become ‘leaders in the advancement of the game’ in their local area, which is why they turned to S&C.

Falkland opted for a system which includes a NottsWeave synthetic sports surface providing maximum performance and durability they also opted for:

- ECB Approved Notts Sport NottsBase D System® Batting Ends – with NottsFilm geotextile membrane to prevent weed growth from under the aggregate.
- NottsPad Bowling Ends – with NottsPad shockpad to absorb impact on bowlers’ knees and ankles, protecting against stress injuries, and to help protect levels of base.
- Double Lane ECB Recommended Cage & Netting Facility -Including rodent protection skirtn that also reduces net billowing.
- NottsSward Low Maintenance Surround Material – with dressed NottsSward to provide clean-standing area, replacing all grass areas in facility, removing requirement to mow in between cage and ends.
- Polyester Powder Coated (PPC) Steel Cage - More aesthetically pleasing – less noticeable impact upon the surrounding environment.
- Interior Screen Netting - to prevent batsmen being distracted by movement in the adjacent lane.
- An Increased Cage Height of 4m.

The system was installed on the 14th of February ready for full use at the start of the 2011 season and what will hopefully be a successful year for the club.

Knighton House School Official Opening Ceremony

Tue, 31 May 2011 14:37:00 GMT

S&C Slatter were delighted to receive glowing praise from Mrs Alison Tremewan, Headmistress of Knighton House School, in recent her address to gathered guests at the official opening ceremony of their new Artificial Turf Pitch.

The pitch looked and played fantastically well as ex-England and GB international hockey international Calum Giles made a guest appearance to put the girls of Knighton House through their very own master-class training session. Giles, with over 100 caps to his name, commented on a job well done, ‘the pitch responded well to the ball and stick action, really good work.’

Along with bringing a quality hockey facility on which to hone the pupils' skills, the multi-purpose facility will be used for tennis during the summer term.

S&C Slatter completed the construction of the facility in record time, transforming a steeply sloping paddock into a high class artificial turf pitch facility in just 7 weeks. In delivering this facility in record time S&C Slatter were discreet and professional, Mrs. Trewaran commented ‘that we hardly even knew they were here, the work progressed so quickly without any problems’.

S&C Slatter deliver UK's first Trimension 3G system

Tue, 31 May 2011 14:35:00 GMT

In any given manufacturing industry, every now and again a product comes along which makes everyone sit up and take notice. The Greenfields Trimension system is one of those products. Leading edge technology, market leading innovation and quality workmanship has come together at Harvesters Football Club to create a 3G system like no other in the UK.

Harvesters F.C. have been benefitting in their training and junior match play with a 3rd Generation Artificial Grass Pitch on site. The facility was made possible following a successful application to the Football Foundation. For the last 7 years the pitch has been used extensively by the proactive club to deliver programme for boys and girls football, along with community 5-a-side leagues. The wear and tear on the existing fibrillated 3G system was clear to see and a new surface was required. Following an exhaustive market research exercise, Harvesters FC selected S&C Slatter to undertake the works.

Working closely with their client, S&C Slatter were able to help and advise on the latest market developments in Artificial Grass systems. The Trimension system is like no other product on the market; combining a unique tri-lobal yarn structure with strong V-shaped yarn structure, the system creates the perfect mix of rigid yarn and player comfort. For Harvesters FC, Trimension is the perfect choice to meet their high usage volumes, whilst delivering FIFA 1 and 2* performance qualities.

Steve Boote, Harvesters FC project manager commented, ‘… we looked at many 3G products offered by a range of contractors and manufacturers. For us, it was S&C Slatter's approach that gave us the most comfort. We were looking for something quite specific and they delivered. We put them under pressure to turnaround the pitch resurfacing and again, they have delivered. We are delighted with the end product, and look forward to receiving Arsenal and Tottenham academy squads to train on the facility in next couple of weeks.’

The successfully completed project for Harvesters FC comes on the back of further sports pitch projects including a large artificial turf pitch project on the Isle of Wight.