Club Statement
Club Statement - 6 December 2023
The playing surface at Manor Park has been inconsistent for several years. At times, the pitch has played very well with true bounce and carry. However, on occasions the pitch has been variable, for both Horsford and Norfolk matches.
Following a detailed period of consultation and investigation, we have established the cause of the inconsistency and agreed on the solution. We have liaised with Norfolk CCC, Norfolk Cricket Board and the EAPL throughout.
The end of season renovation work was completed by Parkers Pitches, who are renowned as experts in the field. They will be closely involved throughout the winter.
Following much discussion and research, we have instructed SIS Pitches to install two Hybrid Pitches. Hybrid Pitches are used frequently by First-Class Counties, and highly regarded by groundsmen throughout the UK. The Hybrid Pitch has several advantages:
a) The synthetic strands will help to bind the surface together, assisting with the historic root breaks.
b) The synthetic strands will encourage new root growth at depth.
c) The surface creates a true and even bounce and carry.
d) The surface requires less maintenance than a normal, all-turf pitch.
e) More matches can be played on a Hybrid Pitch.
The Hybrid Pitches will be installed in plenty of time for the start of the season. We will be holding a promotional day during installation, and we encourage Clubs, Schools and all Groundsmen to attend, and learn more about Hybrid Pitches.
We are also delighted to confirm our new Head Groundsman. Simon Chipperfield is well known in Norfolk cricket, having enjoyed a successful playing career. Simon will be leading a small group and preparing the pitches throughout the season.
The outfield has also been a source of challenge over the last few years. Over the winter months, we have invested heavily with renovation and improvement. This has included:
We have scarified the outfield.
We have over-seeded the outfield.
We will Verti-drain the outfield.
We will fertilise and feed the outfield, as we approach the spring.
Our work on the outfield has been directed by our new Outfield Groundsman, Ian Flaxman, together with new Grounds Partner NCSL.
The covers at Manor Park have been a source of challenge over the last few years. Several matches have been cancelled, due to leaking covers and side sheets. We have invested in new roll-on covers, together with side sheets and bowlers run ups. We have also invested in a new Pro-Tech flat sheet that can be used independently.
The existing covers will be repaired and will be used on the bottom pitch.
We are not only investing on the field of play. In the last few years, we have embarked on a maintenance and improvement programme to the Clubhouse. This has included refurbished toilets and improved heating system. We will, over the winter, fully refurbish the showers.
If funding allows, we will create a patio area outside the changing rooms, creating a separate area for players. This will ensure the clubhouse is accessible and welcoming to all guests. The work will also include a ramp, for disabled access to the bar area.
During last winter, we completely refurbished both scoreboards on the main pitch, and installed a new digital scoreboard on the bottom pitch.
This statement demonstrates the significant investment Horsford Cricket Club is making to Manor Park. We are determined to create a cricket ground that is of the highest quality. The significant financial investment has been possible due to the healthy state of Club funds, grant funding, sponsorship, and an ECB interest-free loan.
Horsford and Norfolk County Cricket Club have a long-standing relationship and trust, that has grown since Norfolk moved to Manor Park in 2001.
Norfolk CCC have been fully involved in the improvements outlined in this statement and are supportive of the work being undertaken.
Recognising that Horsford is undertaking a significant programme of improvements, and that this will take some time for the full benefits to be realised, Norfolk CCC will be playing their T20 and One-Day matches elsewhere during 2024. Horsford support Norfolk in this endeavour, and we believe will be healthy for Norfolk cricket.
The Showcase match between Norfolk CCC and Nottinghamshire CCC will take place at Manor Park, together with all 3-day festival matches.
I would like to acknowledge the fantastic support and encouragement provided by Lewis Denmark, Cricket Development Manager for Norfolk Cricket Board.
The East Anglian Premier League have been consulted throughout the process, and remain fully supportive of the investment and improvements at Manor Park.
I hope that this statement provides the cricket supporters and players in Norfolk, with confidence that Horsford is truly committed to creating the very best facilities, for the benefit of Club and County cricket.
With best wishes,
Rob Panter Chairman
