Cultivation work begins on Hagley Oval's wicket blocks Photograph © CCA

Cultivation work has begun on two of the senior cricket blocks on Hagley Oval. All four cricket blocks on the Oval are to undertake major cultivation work over the next two years, with blocks one and three being completed this year, and blocks four and six being completed for the start of the 2003/04 season.

The work involves the top 60-70mm of soil on each block being replaced with new Heathcote soil. This soil will then be consolidated and sown in grass. The current work on the Oval will be completed within two days, and with compaction and consolidation work to occur over the winter months, the blocks should be available for use early in the 2002/03 season.

The project has been a combined effort between the Christchurch City Council, the three Hagley Cricket Clubs (High School Old Boys, St Albans and Riccarton), and the Canterbury Cricket Association. The work on the Oval has been identified as a priority, as current blocks have been untouched for nearly two decades. This work forms part of a CCA initiative targeting the improvement of club cricket blocks in Christchurch.

© Canterbury Cricket Association