The Cheshire Cricket League

Ground Inspection Reports 2011

Below are the Reports of the Ground Inspection Committee 2011.

Again, the inspections were carried out with a view to ascertaining what clubs would require to meet the proposed new criteria at start of 2011. It was pleasing to see that all clubs had embraced this criteria and were working towards meeting the standards expected. A handful of clubs obviously have more to do than others and with this in mind, and the fact that they were working hard to improve, I see no reason why any club should be singled out for improvement at this stage.
In general the clubs had all made improvements from the previous season and grounds and facilities were of good standard. A couple of clubs are still in need of improvement and whilst these clubs were aware of the areas needed to be addressed, it is hoped that these improvements will be made sooner, rather than later.

ALDERELY PARK
All amenities and equipment, including covers are all of high standard. Facilities in main building are of high standard. All up to new criteria.

ALVANLEY
All areas in excellent condition and wickets always play well. Clubhouse had new roof, new kitchen and dressing rooms refitted.

ASHLEY
A very good facility and continues to be steadily upgraded. New scorebox was almost complete on night of inspection and excellent new practice facility in use. All areas meet criteria.

ASHTON ON MERSEY
A very good facility and continues to be steadily upgraded. The flooring in dressing rooms was to be renewed and club had benefitted from using solar panels on roof to provide electricity/ hot water. This had drastically reduced costs and allowed funds to be channeled into other areas. All areas meet criteria.

ASTON
All amenities of good standard. no problems reported with wickets as last season. Club are constantly looking to improve and had sought assistance from Association of Groundsmen regarding wicket. Looking to replace covers, probably with climate cover system.

BARNTON
All areas on and off-field are of a high standard. Drying equipment to be purchased and plans for 2 sightscreen at each end. Looking at possibility of developing a second ?nursery' ground

BARROW
Ground in 1st class condition. Clubhouse improvements made. New covers are on order and should be in place for start 2012 season. All areas up to standard.

BOWDON VALE
All areas are of excellent standard. Another sightscreen at each end would improve ground, but in general club has no problems meeting new criteria.

BIRKENHEAD PARK
Very high standard. ex County League and no problems with meeting Meller Braggins Criteria.

BUNBURY
Excellent amenities along with umpires changing facilities. All aspects of club meet new criteria.

CHEADLE HULME LADYBRIDGE
Club are hoping to get more control over running of club. There had been reports of uncleanliness in shower/toilet area and club assured they would do their beat to address this issue. Climate is option for wicket covering as security of covers would be a problem.

CHELFORD
All areas of the ground meet the criteria. Plans to improve the covers. Ground well tended and good wickets were been produced.

CHESTER COUNTY OFFICERS
Superb facility and well up to standard. Still further plans to improve and add to an already impressive array of ground equipment. No areas of concern.

CHOLMONDELEY
Again all up to standard with no issues to address. Still looking to build new scorebox, but money needed for new roof and plans for disabled toilets. all up to standard. Main problem arises with the club not having Clubmark status.

DAVENHAM
All facilities of excellent standard. Looking into making larger, more comfortable changing for umpires - present arrangement is acceptable. Sightscreens are slightly on small side and club are thinking of enlarging and adding two more at each end. There had been reports of below standard wickets on a few occasions and the club were aware that work on square was needed. They had sought assistance from Association of Groundsmen and were actively working to improve the situation.

DISLEY
Purpose built facility with good amenities, Covers and Climate cover sheets used. All areas easily meet new criteria in 2011.

HALE BARNS
In County League last season and easily meet criteria. After some criticism outfield is now cut by a private contractor and much improved. Club have grant applications for improvements in several areas including covers and drainage. There are ongoing plans to improve clubhouse and in general the club is always improving already excellent facility.

KINGSLEY
All areas of club are good. The waterhog promised last season has arrived and there are no issues to address to meet new criteria. Excellent covers and practice facilities.

LYMM OP
Excellent all round facilities. Ground,square and perimeter all well maintained as were off field facilities. Scoring facilities could be more seperate from main pavilion, but in general club would have no problem meeting new criteria

LINDOW
Ground, outfield and perimeter all well maintained as was the pavilion. Covers in place and all areas of good standard.

MERE
Whilst it is obvious that some hard work had taken place and the covers were operational, there had stil been complaints about the cleanliness of the pavilion. The inspection was carried out with several members of the Exec. Committee present and club officials made assurances that improvements were in hand. The facility on night of inspection appeared clean and tidy, although would have benifitted from a bit of repair work to ceiling in visitors dressing room - bit disappointing that the damage had occured in winter and was still not repaired in August. It is hoped that the improvements promised are forthcoming.

NORTHWICH
Facilities meet and exceed league requirements. The square is much improved and lots of hard work done. The outfield, whilst a lot better could still be improved.

OAKMERE
Excellent standards and numerous plans for enhancement. No areas need addressing to meet new criteria.

OVER PEOVER
Ground and amenities in excellent condition. All areas of ground were in very good condition with off field facilities clean and comfortable. Several ideas were muted to improve umpires changing and shower facilities. The covers were to be repaired and the old ones were being used. There is a good awareness of the areas that need improvement and plans were in hand to do work when funds allow.

POTT SHRIGLEY
In general club is on right track, but the sightscreen at “hill' end of ground still not in place. It is imperitive that this issue is addressed for start of next season. Good ideas to enhance the existing facilities. It is hoped to have these underway ASAP. Club would benefit from being Clubmark accredited.

PRESTBURY
All areas of good standard and pavilion kept clean and tidy. Still only 3 showerheads - another one would be useful. Would have no problems meeting new criteria.

ROMILEY
Club new to League and all areas are of good standard. Easily meets new criteria.

RUNCORN
All aspects of ground were of high standard. New scorebox and rollermop purchased. All up to standard. Now clubmark accredited.

SANDBACH
A new ground and excellent facilities. All amenities and equipment meet new criteria.

STRETTON
First class amenities with all round facilities and excellent range of equipment. There are no problems with club satisfying all new criteria requirements.

THE GROVES
Purpose built facility of good standard. There is reasonable covering for scorers and ground is in generally good condition. There had been an issue with water problem with the showers, but otherwise no problems.

TRAFFORD MV
New clubhouse up and running and this is a superb facility. Club should have no problems in meeting new criteria.

WEAVERHAM
All areas were in good order and club would have no problems meeting new criteria. Drying equipment has now been purchased and several improvements had been made again. No issues to address.

WINNINGTON PARK
Ex County League and all areas easily meet demands of new criteria. No areas in need of attention.

WINSFORD
Very high quality amenities, clean and comfortable throughout. Excellent playing area and good range of equipment available to help maintain standards.

WOODFORD
Square and outfield were of high standard. Excellent covers and equipment. No apparent problems in meeting criteria.