Exmouth CC Become Second Devon Club to Install Hybrid Pitch
Exmouth CC became the second Devon club to install hybrid cricket pitches last week.
Following in the footsteps of Heathcoat CC last season, the East Devon side have installed three hybrid strips on the square at The Maer.
Speaking on the benefits of installing the hybrid pitches at the club, Chair Jeremy Tozer said:
"This was an unmissable and privileged chance for us to make some overdue improvements to our square and was helped massively by a generous grant from the ECB & Sport England 2024 Grass Pitch Improvement Fund without which is highly unlikely to have happened.
"The hybrids will undoubtedly enhance our opportunity to continue to host high-profile matches at Exmouth by having the quality of wicket more akin to the level that County teams play on week in week out.
"The introduction of the new hybrid pitches will enable us to continue to grow as a club and hand-in-hand enhance the status of Devon cricket."
The Grass Pitch Improvement Fund (GPIF) aims to tackle inequalities by providing improved access to good quality, safe playing facilities for targeted groups. For 2025, priority is given to applications which support cricket in diverse communities and for disability and low socio-economic groups.
Clubs with thriving women and girls' sections may also consider applying, but for this year priority will be given to the other eligibility criteria. Investment is targeted into three main areas:
- Improving the quality of squares and outfields (for grass pitches rated ‘unsuitable’ or ‘basic’ to improve to at least ‘good’ standard).
- Creating sustainable management of sites (through irrigation and machinery improvements).
- Installing hybrid pitches to increase playing capacity.
"It’s rewarding to see clubs improve their facilities for the overall good of the game, which is very much the case for this project," says Devon Cricket Foundation's Funding & Facilities Manager, Nick Goodliffe. "It will be very interesting over the coming years to monitor the increased usage and consistent performance that they will bring to the equation."
The installation of the hybrid pitches is set to provide numerous benefits to the club. Most noticeable will be the improvement to the quality of the wickets and the reduced wear and tear on the remainder of the square as the hybrids take on a higher share of the cricket played at The Maer.
"This provides us an opportunity over the next few seasons to make much-needed improvements to other wickets across the square," says Jeremy. "This is essential for us with the sheer volume of cricket we now offer at Exmouth every season."
The club are also hopeful of enhancing their opportunities to host high-profile matches. The club already plays host to numerous Performance Pathway events and Devon CCC matches, putting "Exmouth in the spotlight and showcasing Devon cricket to a wider audience."
Exmouth CC have also built a strong relationship with Somerset CCC off the back of last season's showcase game, with the First Class County set to bring both their Men's and Women's sides back to The Maer in 2025.
"Finally," Jeremy says "the pitches will help us to continue supporting and hosting more community-based events such as our ongoing partnership with the Windrush Cricket group." The club play host to the annual Windrush Caribbean Cricket Festival and are hoping to go "bigger and better again this coming season."
Pre-Season Grounds Management Day
Groundskeepers from across the county are invited to save the date for this year's Pre-Season Grounds Management Day, which is taking place in April.
| Venue | Date |
|
Cullompton CC EX15 1DW |
Wednesday, 9 April 2025 10am - 1pm |
County Pitch Advisors Paul Mitchell and Pete Woodman will be sharing their knowledge and best practices for pre-season pitch preparations.
Any Groundskeepers interested in attending must email Nick Goodliffe.
CONTACT
For further information and support on funding and facilities at your club, please get in touch with our Funding & Facilities Manager, Nick Goodliffe.
nick.goodliffe@devoncricket.co.uk
07801 178329
