University Oval declared fit to host premier club semifinal

Groundsman Yannis Warrender operates a debris blowler yesterday while Metropolitan Rugby Council match committee convener Mike Reggett inspects the surface at the University of Otago Oval before Saturday's scheduled premier club semifinal. Photo: Gerard O
Groundsman Yannis Warrender operates a debris blower yesterday while Metropolitan Rugby Council match committee convener Mike Reggett inspects the surface at the University of Otago Oval before Saturday's scheduled premier club semifinal. Photo: Gerard O'Brien
The University of Otago Oval has been declared fit for the premier club semifinal between University and Kaikorai despite some significant muddy patches on the pitch block.

The semifinals had to be shifted to Hancock Park last season when the surface was ruled unfit and there were concerns of a repeat scratching this season.

But Dunedin Venues Management head of turf services and development Mike Davies is confident the venue will be ready for kick off on Saturday afternoon.

''Basically it is about using every daylight hour available to get that debris blower blowing air over the top and protecting it when we think there is any chance of rain,'' Davies said.

''It looks like the only chance of rain is [this morning] and then there are a couple of good days.''

The surface was quite muddy yesterday but Davies felt it was playable and ''would only get better''.

He said preparations were delayed this season due to a late finish to the cricket season and a week of wet weather caused further disruption. That left a short period for the grass to strike but growth was strong.

However, with the All Blacks coming to Dunedin in June ''we had to cover the pitch a lot which made for an unhealthy [grass] plant.

''But when you looked at last year compared to what it is now, we are well ahead.

''It is what it is. We are the only international cricket ground that plays rugby over the top now.''

Metropolitan Rugby Council match committee convener Mike Reggett inspected the surface at noon yesterday and was satisfied it was fit for purpose.

''I have no concerns whatsoever. The surface is pretty firm,'' he said.

''While there are a couple of puddles there, Mike Davies the groundsman has given us an assurance that it will be fit for play on Saturday.

''The forecast looks pretty good for the next few days so let's get out there and get on with the game.''

University Rugby Football Club club captain Andy Ellis said ideally the game would be shifted to the field sandwiched between the Oval and the Caledonian.

''Ideally, you want a firmer track but it is just the way it has worked out,'' he said.

''But it is the same for both sides and that is how we see it anyway.

''It was way worse last year than it is this year.

''That was a real bog last year.''

Ellis said the club had been included in the decision process and felt its concerns had been heard.

Now it ''just had to run with it'' - probably quite literately given the team's expansive game plan this season.

The other semifinal is at Peter Johnstone Park where Taieri hosts Harbour.

The final will be staged at Forsyth Barr Stadium where both teams can rely on a nice, firm track.

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