PRESS RELEASE 14 August 2000
Oxford Hawks Hockey Club, who 10 years ago pioneered the first floodlit artificial grass pitch in Oxfordshire, announce the near completion of their new watered nylon pitch, along with major upgrades, at the Banbury Road North ground. The pitch replaces a polypropylene sand based carpet. Said Project Coordinator Richard Clarke:
"The new watered nylon pitch will be a top class surface with excellent specifications. Features include:
- The carpet is nylon, which is stronger, longer lasting and directional i.e. does not flatten
- The pitch can be watered from a newly installed pumping station at the ground
- The carpet seams are stitched together, making seam splits less likely than most pitches where seams are glued
- The carpet is sand dressed, i.e. about a third of the volume of sand is spread info the carpet base to improve moisture retention. However, sand is not visible to the player
- Carpet tensioners are fitted along the length of the pitch to keep the carpet stretched and avoid ruffling
- The old shock pad had been replaced with a thicker 15mm bonded rubber granule pad
- The carpet has an additional backing designed to slow down water "run off
The new pitch is largely completed, and is expected to be in play in early September. The Club has financed the pitch without Lottery or other Grant support, and would like to thank Oxford City Council, from whom they lease the land on which the pitch is built, for their help and support in realising the project.
The Club runs Men's, Ladies', Veterans' and Colts' sections with success at all levels. The Men's team is the only Oxfordshire Club, apart from the University, to play in the National League. The new floodlit pitch is available for bookings. Enquiries to Brian Davis at the Club (evenings) 01865 553401 or (day) 01608 737025.
The Club welcomes new Members - enquiries (evenings or weekends) Men's - John Kaluza 01865 552909, Ladies - Sue Clark 01865 750535 and Colts - Paddy Roche 01865 735222 or visit the Club Website on www.OxfordHawks.homestead.com
