Duncan Ross sportsturf construction and drainage contractors has completed a major project to install drainage and renovate the pitches at Lancashire based Bolton RUFC.
Four years ago Bolton RUFC would not have been able to stage a game following torrential rain. In fact the three pitches the club leases from the local council would have resembled a quagmire. All matches would have been called off.
Despite the popularity of the club and the enthusiasm of the players – 50% of the current adult teams have come up from their own junior ranks – the constant cancellation of matches was beginning to take a heavy toll with more and more players losing interest or moving to other local clubs with better playing facilities.
Bolton RUFC took over the council site at Mortfield Pavilion 26 years ago and only employed some basic routine maintenance to help with general drainage and aeration.
With the council hamstrung by spending restrictions, Bolton RUFC, knew any improvements would have to be financed by the club itself. And at a cool £140,000 this was no small matter.
Professional Sports Turf Design (PSD) Consultants was engaged and evaluated what needed to be done. Duncan Ross specialist sports turf drainage and renovation experts were chosen by PSD to undertake the work.
The first team pitch was completely re-structured, a new drainage system and pitch laid, a partial refurbishment of the second pitch and secondary drainage installed on the third. Boundary fencing completed the finish giving in the words of club captain Les Towler “A proper club which we can all be proud of.”
Since then pitches have been re-laid and properly drained and not a single game has been cancelled due to bad weather, water logging or excessive dryness. There have been fewer injuries and greater enjoyment at all levels of competition.
MD Duncan Ross is delighted that the new construction and remedial work has been so well received. “It is a big investment for any club. But now the pitches are open for use all year round and the quality of play is helped, not hindered by the turf.”
www.duncanrosslanddrainage.co.uk