HAMMY GROUNDS FOR OPTIMISM

Ireland are taking on the West Indies in three T20 internationals this week at the picturesque Bready ground in Magheramason.

One man who will be running the full spectrum of emotions during the game is Head Groundsman Trevor Hamilton, who has been charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the teams have the best possible pitches to showcase their talents on.

“It’s been tough the last couple of weeks with the weather having had such a great spell of weather for most of May,” said Hamilton. “We started preparing the pitches probably a week ahead of schedule because we knew what the forecast was like. We’re happy where we are at with the square and while Monday’s rain was relentless, Ireland trained as scheduled on Tuesday so the drainage is working well.

The former Bready all-rounder is naturally a bit apprehensive going into what will be his international debut as a groundsman after taking over at the Magheramason ground two years ago.

“Like any groundsman you want to see how the first ball behaves with hopefully good carry through to the keeper. The square looks in good shape and it’s where I want it to be. The rain has closed up the gravel beading and the outfield looks very green and lush hopefully all will be well. I have a good team supporting me with Abbi Pollock and Gavin Rouslton, as well as Trevor Kee and Paul Fleming and many others.

“There’s been a great buy-in from the local community, the North West and the Council. Julie Middleton, our local councillor has been exceptional with her help, and everyone has bought in to the idea of high-profile international sport in the region with three games over the next week.  

“Fair play to the council with jumping on board and the ground has been transformed from a club feel to very much an international arena. That comes from a lot of hard work from a lot of people and organisations right across the board.

There are plenty of activities planned around the games in what is sure to be a real festival of cricket at the Tyrone venue, with the games on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday all getting underway at 3pm.