Pitch preparations
With the Rugby World Cup only a few weeks away, preparations are in full swing at the College to ensure the Memorial pitches are in top-class condition for the arrival of the South African team. The Head Groundsman Richard Maryan and his team have been working tirelessly throughout the summer and the results of their efforts are clear to see.
Richard recently reported, 'Once the cricket season finished at the end of the summer term we were able to start preparing the pitch. This involved raising the height of cut to allow the grass sward to grow to the desired height. We would normally cut the pitches using a tractor mounted mower but for the world cup pitch we have been using two 36 inch pedestrian cylinder mowers. This gives a better finish to the presentation and allows us to remove the clippings. It takes two people approximately three hours to cut the ground and this is done at least three times a week.
The pitch has received several applications of a controlled release fertiliser and will receive a final liquid application just before the South African team arrives.'
The Rugby World Cup organising body have visited Memorial several times to conduct detailed pitch inspections and are delighted with how the College pitches are looking.
For further information about the College's role as an official team base for the forthcoming Rugby World Cup please visit: https://www.eastbourne-college.co.uk/Rugby-World-Cup
