As we approach the 2010 footy season, the surface at Hamptons Boss James Reserve is looking remarkably better than it did for Round 18 last year thanks to work carried out by the Council and some decent rainfall.
Theres still plenty of room for improvement, however with still three months until Round One, theres enough time for the ground to further improve providing we continue to get some good rain.
Following the final game in 2009, parts of the ground resembled a dustbowl. Prior to the cricket season, instant turf was laid in various sections around the centre wicket. At the beginning of the Christmas break, Kikuyu grass was line-planted into the affected areas, namely the clubrooms side of the ground and 50-metre arcs. Two days of heavy rain shortly after encouraged growth and the ground is in much better shape today.
Hampton Rovers AFC will work with the Bayside City Council to ensure Boss James Reserve isnt over-utilises as it has been in the past few years. With the Rovers comprising of four senior teams and fifteen junior teams equating to 465 players plus 200 Auskick participants, usage of the ground needs to be carefully managed, especially during the week with training and usage by local schools.
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