Date-stamped : 25 Jun97 - 06:18
27 May 1997

Changes For Wicket Block

The wicket block at Lancaster Park is now down to four pitch
widths, which the Victory Park Board hopes will be enough for the
next cricket season.

This follows the recent digging up and replacing of two pitches
on the west of the main block and replacement with a base of sand
and instant turf.

Work began after the last Super 12 match earlier this month and
groundsman Russell Wylie expects the new turf to have "taken"
before the Bledisloe Cup test between New Zealand and Australia
on July 5.

The pitch block has been of concern to rugby officials because
the Waikari soil produces acclaimed cricket wickets but is not
ideal for rugby.

VPB general manger Campbell Prentice said the nature of the soil
means the block is either hard or soft but never ideal.

"By taking out two pitches we are down to four strips. We will
have to wait to the full programme to be decided before we know
if we need to relay two pitches in the spring."

In case of wet weather the newly sown area will be covered to
ensure it is not damaged. Prentice said if the area did not
progress quickly enough, a tent will be put up and artificial
light and heat applied to assist growth.


Source :: The Christchurch Press (http://www.press.co.nz)

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