Tasmania University Cricket Club

Latest News (10th. November 2005)

Eventually - meet the guy who prepares the wickets.

This article has been in 'the pipeline' for many months - eventually we managed to actually get some pictures of the guy at work!

Jason Britten of "Total Turf Care" has been in charge of the University Oval for the last few years. During this time the Oval has acquired a reputation as a good batting strip and lush outfield. Jason's endeavours in regard to both the wicket and his tan are evident in the picture below!



Preparing a square in Tasmania on an Oval that has seen Footy games throughout the winter months is not an easy task. "This year we attempted to laser-level the square and also raise the height of the centre of the square in order to produce a slope of 2 and 3 degrees to assist in better draining" said Jason. "It was all going well and we sowed the seed, only for it to rain for the next four days! We had to do it all again and lost nearly two weeks of prep time".

As with all grounds (with the exception of Bellerive Oval) the task would prove to be impossible - resulting in the first two weeks (three rounds) of the season not happening at all for most Clubs.

Apart from preparing cricket wickets in the summer and footy and soccer pitches in the winter Jason also plays (in the winter)! He was a member of the New Norfolk footy team that won the Premiership last season. There is no information on his cricketing prowess.

The pictures taken were only at what Jason lovingly calls 'wicket prep' time on the morning of a match. He is also trialling clay-based run-ups in the nets, attempting to manage the ageing sprinkler system and, obviouly, spends many hours during the week on the next wicket and the turf nets.

The picture below need no captioning! Forward suggestions to Jason!



The final action just minutes before the start of a game. If you've ever tried to put stumps into a wicket without such a battered piece of steel and club hammer you'll appreciate this last service that 'Jovial Jason', Uni.'s curator, provides.



Hopefully, one day, we can surprise Jason and actually get a 'mugshot'!


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