Cricket: Turf prepared for bowler domination

Bowlers are expected to dominate the early part of the Albany Cricket Association’s new season with the wickets tipped to be green and grassy.

Picture by Laurie Benson: City of Albany turf curator Brett Wolfe checks on the progress of the west turf

Preparation of the pitches for the 2011-12 season, expected to start on October 22, is two weeks ahead of schedule.

City of Albany turf curator Brett Wolfe said he made a conscious decision to start early this year after heavy rain put things behind schedule last season.

“We are about two weeks more advanced than last year, but we had a very wet October last year, we don’t need a repeat of that,” Mr Wolfe said.

The veteran curator said heavy rain this week was not a worry, but hinted the bowlers may enjoy juicy decks in the early fixtures.

“The wickets are a lot grassier this year and there certainly will be a lot in it for the bowlers early,” he said.

“Butters (Hayden Burling) will be chaffing at the bit.”

Burling, who is the opening bowler for Collingwood Park, claimed 30 wickets last season at an average of 11.10 to be one of the competition’s most venomous bowlers.

Burling took part in a Country XI camp last weekend, finished with season high figures of 6-9 against Denmark last year, was his side’s leading wicket taker and will again be their key strike weapon in 2011-2012.

The upkeep of the wickets during the season will also be made easier this year, with a new piece of equipment to help curators.

“We have got a new roller … which will make life easier,” Wolfe said.

“It’s quicker between the wickets and will help us repair the wickets a lot quicker.”

ACA president Terry Eaton said there would be six A-grade and 10 B-grade sides competing this season, and a bye was planned for the October long weekend. The competition will break for Christmas, New Year and country week, with March 24 the date for the grand final. Fixtures for the 15 A and B-grade rounds are expected to be released soon.

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