With the cricket season ending this weekend Rye are hoping something can be done during the off season with the wicket at the Salts after many complaints were received about the state of the pitch.
The wicket became a major concern during Rye’s match against Slinfield at the end of July and was reported by the umpires as being unacceptable because it offered too much seam and spin and very uneven bounce. Rye play in the Sussex Cricket League and the wicket and outfield are expected to be in good condition.
During July and August many complaints were sent to Rother District Council (RDC) and on one occasion a match was almost cancelled due to the state of the pitch.
The following points were reported to the council:
- Serious cracking on the wicket
- Roller broken and no rolling for a month
- Wicket selection, booking mix ups
- Groundsman losing time travelling between five sites
- Unsatisfactory Umpire’s Report
In August RDC met at the site with representatives from the Landscaping Group, Rye Cricket Club and Councillor Sam Souster and the concerns were discussed with five action points identified.
Cllr Souster who lives in the town said: “As the cricket season is nearly over and football will probably not be be played on the ground, there is an opportunity for the maintenance and condition of the pitch and ground to be improved.”