Groundsman Report

​​​​​​​Hi, Im Rhys McCowatt  (Rico)

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.

I also act as liaison between the club and the council to keep the grounds and buildings in good condition.

I’ve been doing the role for five seasons and have seen a lot of change over that time.

When I began I was totally green as to what needed doing, but learnt quickly from groundskeepers I developed relationships with, trial and error, and Google and YouTube.

Maintaining and preparing the grass wicket block takes up the bulk of the role and I can put in anywhere between five to thirty hours per week depending on the situation.

Since taking the reins I have extended the block from four pitches to five, had irrigation installed, upgraded the roller from a tow behind a tractor drum type, to a self-propelled 2.5 ton double drum roller and recently to a 4.5 ton double drum roller.

I have upgraded the reel mower, purchased a block sprayer and generally improved the condition of the equipment required to do a decent job.

During my time I have also seen the facilities at the grounds improve substantially thanks to the club fundraising, obtaining grants, and from local Council input.

Most noticeably are the upgrade of the practice nets which were no longer fit for purpose with the clubs’ numbers growing steadily.

They have increased from a two bay, half-length artificial surface to a three bay, full length artificial surface with soft mesh netting and a soft underlay under the bowlers landing area.

The council have upgraded the showering facilities, installed wifi, new seating, and a drinking fountain at the practice nets.

The artificial wicket surfaces have also been replaced in the last five years and are of a very high standard.

As a shared facility ground we have to share the grounds with Football and Ultimate Frisbee as main users and also balance with annual events held at the grounds.

It is fair to say that the relationship between the users is at a very high level with all users trying their best to make things better for each other and working together collaboratively.

Examples of this collaborative approach are the concrete pour around the grounds entrance and around the pavilion, and the moving of the perimeter fence to allow for increased numbers for both Football and Cricket.

In 2022 I took 6 months from my job to take on the role of summer casual and learn from the best in the business at Seddon Park Cricket ground in Hamilton.

The time spent there learning under Karl Johnson, Mike Davies and the H3 turf team was of immense value.

Developing relationships with experts like those had an instant affect on the quality of wickets I was able to prepare.

This enabled our club to host all four home games for the Waikato Valleys mens side for the season and move closer to becoming the home for Waikato Valley cricket.

It also helped me land the Community Groundskeeper award for the season.  This was no easy feat as I was still looking after the Rec ground while working 40-50 hours per week at Seddon Park.

Last season we had the clubs’ Premier team, Reserves, Premier Woman, Local College, Waikato Valley men, Waikato Valley boys, and a local junior year 7/8 team use the grass wicket.

Our goal is to allow as many teams as possible to use the grass wicket.

The club is currently attempting to secure funding to completely upgrade the main block, install a second grass block and three new artificial turfs.

Certainly exciting times ahead for the club.