Groundsman Report

​​​​​​​Hi, Im Adam Michels (Cougar)

I currently look after the 5 pitch grass wicket block, 2 artificial blocks and the training nets at the Morrinsville Recreation ground for the Morrinsville Piako Cricket Club.

Most Saturdays, the players turn up and see a fresh wicket, a tidy outfield and everything looking ready to go — and that’s exactly how it should be. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make that happen, and I’m proud to play my part for Morrinsville-Piako Cricket.

I’m usually out there early, late, and often whenever the weather decides to throw a curveball. Mowing, rolling, repairing and prepping — it’s all part of the job, and I genuinely enjoy it. Seeing the lads and ladies turn up to a home game feeling proud of the surface they’re about to play on makes the hours worthwhile. I don’t do it for recognition — I just get stuck in and do what needs doing.

I only stepped into the groundsman role a couple of years ago, but I’ve been lucky to learn a lot along the way. I’ve picked up plenty of knowledge from former groundsman Rhys McCowatt and other volunteer curators around the region, and I’m grateful for the time and advice they’ve shared. To now be producing wickets week after week — and to have been trusted over the last two seasons to prepare pitches for representative cricket — has been a real privilege, especially hosting some of the best players across the Northern Districts region. Our goal is to allow as many teams as possible to use the grass wicket.

One of the things I enjoy most is sharing what I’ve learned. If anyone around the club or community is keen to learn the art of pitch prep or just wants to lend a hand, I’d love to have you involved.

Morrinsville-Piako Cricket means a lot to me, and I’m proud to contribute in this way.