What a marked difference to 12 months ago !
Turn the clock back to April 2022 when the ground was rock hard and groundsmen were praying for some rain.
Twelve months on and after a dry February came the wettest March for 40 years leaving many grounds waterlogged and groundsmen playing a King Canute role and trying to wish the water away.
Earlier this week the rain stopped and squares and outfields began to dry out. Then came a Maundy Thursday tea-time deluge and it was back to square one, with clubs cancelling Easter Sunday Village Cup ties and even friendlies set for the following April 15/16 weekend.
Premier League newcomers Parley are among numerous clubs affected as Cricket Manager Keith Clark saying: “In line with many other clubs, ground preparation has fallen behind due to the prolonged wet conditions.
“Our square has had regular cuts and a light manual roll but the heavy roller has not seen any action in 2023 other than being serviced. A professional whole field verti-drain has been delayed but is now planned within a short time.
“The outfield has enjoyed a flat chain harrow on a couple of occasions and mowing will be stepped up in the drier conditions. There are no home friendlies planned and all work will be aiming for the initial Dorset League fixture on 29 April and the opening home SPCL game against Havant II on 13 May. “
Ventnor, often benefitting from the island’s micro climate, appear ahead of the game, with Fiona Newnham reporting: “We're relieved at Steephill that on this past Monday we completed three-quarters of the square rolling programme, with only three roller runs sneaked in over a calendar month.
“Sadly, our Easter cricket programme was cancelled 10 days ago, so fingers crossed Ventnor 's outdoor season starts 15th April....”
At least the forecast for the Easter weekend is fine, with many clubs earmarking the holiday period to launch their delayed 'Get Started' programmes and at least get off-field stuff ready ..
Turn the clock back to April 2022 when the ground was rock hard and groundsmen were praying for some rain.
Twelve months on and after a dry February came the wettest March for 40 years leaving many grounds waterlogged and groundsmen playing a King Canute role and trying to wish the water away.
Earlier this week the rain stopped and squares and outfields began to dry out. Then came a Maundy Thursday tea-time deluge and it was back to square one, with clubs cancelling Easter Sunday Village Cup ties and even friendlies set for the following April 15/16 weekend.
Premier League newcomers Parley are among numerous clubs affected as Cricket Manager Keith Clark saying: “In line with many other clubs, ground preparation has fallen behind due to the prolonged wet conditions.
“Our square has had regular cuts and a light manual roll but the heavy roller has not seen any action in 2023 other than being serviced. A professional whole field verti-drain has been delayed but is now planned within a short time.
“The outfield has enjoyed a flat chain harrow on a couple of occasions and mowing will be stepped up in the drier conditions. There are no home friendlies planned and all work will be aiming for the initial Dorset League fixture on 29 April and the opening home SPCL game against Havant II on 13 May. “
Ventnor, often benefitting from the island’s micro climate, appear ahead of the game, with Fiona Newnham reporting: “We're relieved at Steephill that on this past Monday we completed three-quarters of the square rolling programme, with only three roller runs sneaked in over a calendar month.
“Sadly, our Easter cricket programme was cancelled 10 days ago, so fingers crossed Ventnor 's outdoor season starts 15th April....”
At least the forecast for the Easter weekend is fine, with many clubs earmarking the holiday period to launch their delayed 'Get Started' programmes and at least get off-field stuff ready ..