The Christchurch Junior Cricket Association has assisted one of the the cities larger Intermediates, Cobham repair the excessively worn run-up area at one end of their artificial pitch.

With the assistance of CERT (the Christchurch Earthquake Recovery Trust) the Association worked with the caretaker to identify what was needed and then sought the funding to have the work undertaken well in advance of the start of the 2018/19 season in just 11 weeks time.

“The CJCA is heavily reliant on school grounds to maintain the size of its competitions and is seeking to work with schools to keep grounds in good order – we’re rapt that a Trust has come on-board to assist and hope that this ground can once again be fully used by not only the many cricketers at Cobham but many more CJCA players” says CJCA General Manager Rob Wilkinson.  “Before the season starts we aim to meet with the Ministry of Education to co-ordinate improvements to other grounds and will also look to assist schools with extra mowing early in the season and remark all school artificials with indicators of 18m and 16m picthes in-line with the new Age & Stage playing conditions for 2018/19”.

The work at Cobham Intermedaite aims to repair the run-ups at one end in particular that was a hazard not only for bowlers running in but for Wicket Keepers and those receiving throws from the outfield.  Local company LawnCare were on site today levelling the effected area and laying readylawn that should have plenty of time to bed in before the season begins.  Cobham Caretaker Mel Payne is happy to see the work done and is looking forward to having a better cricket wicket and surrounds to maintain going forward. #cricketnation