THE GREEN GREEN GRASS AT HOME

As I am sure you are aware, the first team pitch is showing some signs of wear and distress following the recent extremely wet weather. The Club has reluctantly decided to take the pitch out of service for the rest of the season, and carry out remedial works as soon as the weather conditions allow. Meanwhile, the second pitch, which is in excellent condition, will be used for most games, although Sussex 1 League games will be played at the rec.

Earlier this month we were extremely fortunate to have Keith Kent, Head Groundsman at Twickenham, and the RFU’s pitch guru, pay us a further visit. He has supplied us with a comprehensive report detailing work required to improve the pitches. The report generally was complementary of the work done so far and the resulting pitch condition. You can find it on the Pulborough RFC website as "RFU man Keith Kent inspects the pitches at Freeland". It's in the "New Ground" news section as well the 1st Team new section.

There is however still more work to be carried out under Kevin’s direction. Some of this is best left to the professionals in the club, but there is also a great deal of unskilled gardening that will need doing.

The most time consuming job is, you’ve guessed it, the flint picking. As you may see from the report, Keith’s opinion is that grass root massing will be significant in deterring the passage of stone to the surface, however it is most important that we clear the pitch of as much stone as possible before the remedial work is carried out.

The club is very grateful to those of you who have turned out to pick flints when asked, but the fact remains that if everybody did a little nobody would end up with stiff backs, aching thighs etc. May I suggest then that whenever you go to the club, would you please spend a few minutes each time trawling one of the pitches for stones. If we all do this while the grass is sparse, the problem will easily disappear. In addition, I will shortly be arranging a further organised session, and I expect a good turnout then.

Finally, I want to assure you that your committee are dedicated to making this facility the very best of its kind in the country, and with your help we will be successful in our ambitions,

Mike D’Alton,

Ground Committee Chairman