THE LATEST ROUND-UP OF NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE WORLD OF ARTIFICIAL PITCH SYSTEMS. AUTUMN 12

• BRANCHING OUT ACROSS THE WATER • THE GROWING GAME INSIDE • GET AHEAD FOR NEXT SEASON • WHO’S YOUR CRICKETING HERO?

Loughborough University’s record-breaking cricketers

POWERPLAY PITCHES UP IN THE RECORD BOOKS! Fundraising cricketers from Loughborough University have smashed the world record for continuous play – with more than a little help from Notts Sport’s exclusive Powerplay Instant Cricket System (PICS). Notts Sport provided a portable PICS pitch to members Event organiser Chris Hughes says: “I still can’t quite of the university’s staff cricket club, who used it believe we managed to keep playing during the storms. to play a non-stop match lasting an incredible 150 Hailstones bigger than golf balls started falling from hours and 20 minutes in aid of the Harley Staples the sky – but everybody just put helmets on and simply Cancer Trust. kept going! PICS mats can transform almost any playing surface “The ground-staff were keen to see how Notts Sport’s into a specialised cricket pitch, providing realistic bounce Powerplay system performed and they were, like all and spin. And because it’s quick draining and offers of us, amazed with how it a firm grip underfoot, not even the summer’s torrential coped with the extreme downpours were enough to stop the university team conditions. Without it, we in their tracks! wouldn’t have been able to continue playing.” www.nottssport.com GROWING THE GREAT GAME ACROSS THE CONTINENT Nick Pink, Regional Development Manager, ICC Europe Cricket in Europe is a game Looking ahead, we at ICC Europe are now fully focused that’s very much in the on the next stage of our master plan, enhancing the profile of the game further still through the ‘5 Ps’ of ascendancy – and its growing Participation, Performance, Policy, Partnerships popularity from Finland to and Promotion. Israel is largely thanks to the The challenge is to promote cricket as a sport that’s tireless efforts of ICC Europe. open to all, unlocking new funding sources to improve facilities and to sustain and grow the game. Although At ICC Europe, it’s our mission to support members, cricket is yet to be introduced to the Olympic cycle develop and promote the great game to every corner as an official Olympic sport – a move which would of the continent, and as part of the Pepsi ICC unlock further funding to boost involvement worldwide Development Programme, we’re helping cricket to – we remain well on track to support the global target go from strength to strength across our 31 member of a million more participants involved in cricket countries. outside of the ICC’s full member nations by 2015. For more than 15 years, we have worked in close This is being achieved with help from groundbreaking partnership with Notts Sport to bring the best projects such as the Israel Cricket Association’s synthetic turf cricket pitches to European members, Cricket 4 Peace programme, which offers Israeli and because providing high-quality facilities is essential Palestinian children the chance to play the game to increasing participation in the game. together in an area dogged by political and cultural This unique collaboration has enabled many tensions. Another example is France Cricket’s European countries to benefit from special discounts partnership with USEP, the French primary school to encourage more young people to take up cricket, sports organisation, which and more than 200 pitches have been installed involves delivering cricket throughout the continent courtesy of ICC Europe training to French teachers and Notts Sport. and developing the sport in the education system.

Cricket supported by ICC Europe www.nottssport.com North Down CC’s new Notts Sport-designed practice facility

BRANCHING OUT “THE NOTTS SPORT TO SUPPORT IRELAND’S CRICKET BOOM Grassroots cricket in Ireland has never SOLUTION been more popular, and participation MADE PERFECT SENSE” in the game just keeps on growing. One of Northern Ireland’s most successful As the nation pushes for Test status, cricket clubs – North Down CC – has become Notts Sport is proud to be doing its bit for the development of the sport by the first to benefit from Notts Sport and Orchard appointing its very first approved Irish Ground Equipment’s partnership. installer to deliver its renowned range Orchard has recently installed a Notts Sport-designed three of synthetic turf cricket solutions. -bay practice facility complete with netted roof and security County Armagh-based Orchard Ground fence, and the club couldn’t be happier with the finished article. Equipment has been appointed as Notts Sport’s approved installer for both Northern Club chairman Ian Carser says: “We’d been looking to update Ireland and the Irish Republic, and co-owner our facilities for a few years, and when we saw the solution Jonathon Bunting says that’s great news that Notts Sport was offering and what we’d be getting for for cricket in his home country. our money, it made perfect sense. “Many other artificial turf cricket pitches “Notts Sport’s presence in Ireland through Orchard was don’t play like grass, but Notts Sport another big factor in our decision-making process – as was systems allow you to play with truer and Notts Sport’s long-standing partnership with ICC Europe. more realistic bounce and spin, which is “The facility we now have is excellent, and means we can just what cricketers need to develop their provide a safe, secure and top-class practice facility to game,” he says. encourage young kids to put down their X-Box and start “Having the best practice facilities will playing cricket, as well as to give our senior players the encourage more youngsters to take up chance to have more meaningful practice sessions. We’re cricket, and that can only be a good thing confident it will bring big dividends for the club in the years for the future of the game in Ireland.” to come.” THE WORLD’S YOUR WITH NOTTS SPORT’S PORTABLE SOLUTIONS When it comes to staying sharp in the close season, it’s important to be as flexible as possible with your practice facilities – and Notts Sport’s portable mats and cages are the ideal solution for coaching and practice throughout the year. There’s a wide range of bespoke portable mats available matchplay and comes complete with a special trolley to suit a variety of surfaces, including indoor sports for easy storage and portability. halls, concrete bases and synthetic turf sports pitches. Portable cages can often be difficult to manoeuvre, Each non-slip solution is engineered to ensure it lies but Notts Sport has solved this common problem flat on the chosen surface, providing consistent with its super-lightweight mobile cricket cage and performance with reaction for both spin and seam netting system. bowlers. They are non-reflective, easy to clean and Constructed from aluminium, rather than traditional accept a number of forms of line markings. heavy steel, the system features two wheels and a lift Notts Sport’s exclusive Powerplay Instant Cricket bar for easy mobility across the outfield, and includes System, for example, is a portable pitch that rolls all-in-one sleeve netting for quick and straightforward out in less than five minutes. Offering consistent pace fitting. and bounce, it’s perfect for training and recreational

The Powerplay Instant Cricket System

Notts Sport Cricket provides a world class design and installation service. Contact Janet now about your next project. call: email: or visit: +44[0] 1455 883 737 [email protected] www.nottssport.com

Innovation House, Magna Park, Lutterworth, Leicestershire, LE17 4XH t. +44 [0]1455 883 730 f. +44 [0]1455 883 755 e. info@ nottssport.com NOTTS SPORT CRICKETTM is a trademark of NOTTS SPORT LIMITED. ROY JOINS THE WINNING TEAM Notts Sport is pleased to welcome Roy Lavery to its winning cricket team as Regional Sales Manager for the north of England and Scotland. Roy moves to Notts Sport’s cricket team after three and a half successful years working with the company’s ChildsPlay department – and he’s relishing the new challenge ahead. “Delivering top-class cricket Another successful Groundwork installation facilities is a prominent part of Notts Sport’s business and one that is on a constantly LAYING THE upward curve,” he says. “I’m GROUNDWORK really excited to have this FOR A SUCCESSFUL opportunity.” PARTNERSHIP Groundwork & Leisure Services has long been a respected name in the field of synthetic turf installation – and now the company has added further experience to Notts Sport’s growing distribution network for cricket. For several years the company has been an approved installer of Notts Sport’s multi-sport and ChildsPlay products. Now, after completing a rigorous training and quality control process, Groundwork has won coveted accreditation to install the full range of Notts Sport cricket systems. Managing Director Andrew Aird says: “We are naturally delighted to have been selected as approved installers for Notts Sport’s renowned range of cricket products. “Attention to detail has always been paramount for all of our installations, but the workmanship for Notts Sport cricket systems has to be absolutely perfect – these products are at the top of the game and are what they are known for. If you’re serious about cricket, you know about Notts Sport.” GET AHEAD FOR NEXT SEASON WITH NOTTS SPORT

If another season of cricket has taken its With years of experience as the world’s leading supplier toll on your facilities, now’s the perfect of synthetic turf cricket pitch systems, Notts Sport can project-manage your new-build or refurbishment time to bring them up to scratch with help project from start to finish. from Notts Sport. Notts Sport is proud to be an official partner of Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing ICC Europe and has more ECB-approved systems synthetic turf pitch or you’re thinking of installing than anyone else – so get a brand new facility, you can take advantage of a free, in touch, and get your no-obligation site survey to find out more about how cricket facilities in tip-top Notts Sport can cater for your needs. shape for next year. THE FRENCHAY REVOLUTION! Ex-England skipper Mike Gatting was guest of honour at the official opening of a brand new Notts Sport-designed facility at Frenchay Cricket Club in Bristol. “We’re able to take a much more structured approach to coaching with the new nets, which will hopefully raise the playing standard of the whole club,” says Club President Peter Lee (left). MEET THE NOTTS SPORT TEAM AND THEIR CRICKETING HEROES Spirit and hard work are at the root of every successful team – and that’s how Notts Sport has secured its place as the world’s leading supplier of synthetic turf solutions for cricket. Here, the Notts Sport team tell us about the cricketing heroes who’ve inspired them to success. Shaun Patrick My cricketing hero is… Dwayne Leverock (Right: pictured with Shaun Patrick) Known affectionately as “Sluggo” and lives above a curry house in . Dwayne shot to fame in a warm up game against England, at the . Leverock took the of and notably , his 10 over spell returning figures of 2 for 32 and resulting in Leverock attaining a cult following around the world. Leverock commented, “It was the first time I have played against a team like this. I settled into a rhythm, and when I settled, I took wickets. The wicket was turning a little bit”. England was full of praise for Leverock’s performance. “He bowled very well. Any spinner that drags Kevin Pietersen out of his crease, and does him in the flight, is a good bowler”. I just like to think that there’s always a place for the Big Guys in any sport! Mark Coeshaw Janet Slatter My cricketing hero is… Shane Warne My cricketing hero is… Graham Gooch “I don’t like to select an Australian “I remember the outstanding 333 against but Test Match winning leg spinners India at Lords in 1990 at the time are so rare and he turned the ball so England were crying out for someone consistently and bowled some of the who could stay at the wicket and greatest deliveries of all time. Equally, Gooch’s return provided this”. to demonstrate such self-belief, mental strength and absolute desire to win, David Sear time and time again, over such a long My cricketing hero is… Sir Garfield Sobers period of time is truly admirable”. Right: Sir Garfield Sobers signs David Sear’s cricket bat “Unquestionably the greatest all round cricketer in the Roy Lavery history of the game. He My cricketing hero is… Ian Botham could do anything to the “The best all-rounder England have ever highest level and he did it produced, he also inspired a generation with a smile – the perfect with his determination and “ cricket has role model for an eleven to be entertaining” philosophy. Equally year old young cricketer and destructive with bat or ball Botham was I finally got to meet the great and is the archetypal boys own hero”. man when I was 50!” IT’S NOT JUST CRICKET! Notts Sport is world-renowned for its top-class cricket systems, but did you know the company is also a leading supplier of synthetic turf products for a host of other sports? Notts Sport offers a range of specialist systems for football, tennis and hockey, and is an approved supplier of the England Hockey Board. The company also provides Multi-Use Games Area solutions for a range of activities on one surface. UNRIVALLED PRODUCTS UNBEATABLE SERVICE Notts Sport is the world’s leading supplier of synthetic turf cricket pitch systems for coaching, practice and matchplay. The company is an official partner of ICC Europe and offers no fewer than seven systems which are approved by the ECB – more than any other supplier – as well as a range of portable mats for both indoor and outdoor use. Free no obligation site surveys are also available to advise pitch owners on future maintenance, refurbishment or replacement requirements. The Notts Sport Fast Track Funding scheme is also available to schools and local authorities, enabling them to deliver their ideal cricket facility now – even if they don’t have a penny of funding in place. Notts Sport Fast Track Funding is a registered trademark of Notts Sport. THE NOTTS SPORT SERVICE FREE CONSULTANCY FOR BETTER FACILITIES Notts Sport’s free consultancy service offers unrivalled support and assistance for customers from start to finish. Here’s how it works:

■ Notts Sport meets with the project leader to ■ Post-installation, customers receive their carry out a free no-obligation site visit – at any warranty and maintenance pack and, beyond stage of the scheme – to discuss specific installation, Notts Sport is on hand to offer requirements and explain the options available ongoing support to ensure that customers receive the very best value from their purchase ■ Notts Sport produces a free design proposal showing the size, position and orientation of the facility, with component specifications selected To find out more… to meet specific requirements and budget, taking into account ECB guidelines call: ■ As the project develops, Notts Sport is always +44 (0) 1455 883 737 available to review or alter proposals if email: necessary, and to offer funding advice [email protected] ■ From raw materials and manufacture through to installation, strict quality control procedures or visit: are carried out to ensure works are completed www.nottssport.com to the highest standard