SISIS Variseeder signals improvements at Wolverhampton
Andrew Brough, head groundsman at Wolverhampton Rugby Union Football Club, claims that a range of SISIS turf maintenance machines have helped him in his personal quest to improve the standard of pitches.
It is safe to say that Andrew is Wolverhampton Rugby Union Football Club through and through. He has played for the club since he was a child and his own children have followed in his footsteps and currently represent the junior teams. He also runs the bar in the club house and when he is not pulling pints or ordering more stock he is tending to the pitches.
Andrew admits that his role of head groundsman is his greatest responsibility and it is certainly not a role he has taken lightly since his appointment two years ago.
“Quite simply, my aim here is to improve the standard of the pitches and make sure they are as playable as possible,” he said. “In the past we have had to cancel a lot of games because the pitches haven’t been draining very well and we just never used to have the equipment – but now we have.”
One of Andrew’s first tasks as head groundsmen was to sign-up to the RFU’s Groundsmen Connected initiative which is an easy access, two-way communication network between the RFU and rugby union groundsmen. It is the main communication channel for the RFU to provide information and advice to groundsmen and also has special offers and exclusive benefits for members.
Members have a direct communication channel on pitch maintenance issues with Twickenham’s head groundsman Keith Kent, and it was Keith’s advice which prompted Andrew to purchase the SISIS equipment.
As part of the package, Andrew purchased the SISIS Variseeder – a tractor mounted overseeder; and he revealed his plans for using them.
“The pitches are a bit patchy at the moment and I want to reseed them so I’ll use the Variseeder to make sure we get more seed into the ground. Hopefully with more grass in the ground the pitches will repair a bit quicker and they will be nice and lush in time for the new season.”
“Ultimately, with the SISIS machinery I feel confident that I’ve got some really great equipment in place now which will absolutely improve the pitches.”