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Post by davef on Jul 28, 2014 16:05:55 GMT
Yes, apparently when it's hot these pitches play better if damped down beforehand. The figures I have heard for a permanent irrigation system are, in my view, unrealistic given how often we actually play on very hot days.
I think any misplaced passing on Saturday was probably more due to players not having played with each other that often rather than any other factors.
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markf
Top Performer
Posts: 3,189
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Post by markf on Jul 28, 2014 17:53:59 GMT
I'd reserve judgement as just one match on it gives little quality perspective. If it becomes more slicker when cooler then that would be an obvious positive. Not sure, bearing our hot it was on Saturday, that the low key nature of the encounter was totally down to the surface. More likely a combination of heat, the nature of the occasion and that U's had not played a competitive match on it before. Can see why Maidstone had a pretty good home record last season though.
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markf
Top Performer
Posts: 3,189
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Post by markf on Jul 28, 2014 17:54:18 GMT
Poxy internet.
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Post by jencor on Jul 28, 2014 18:33:04 GMT
The rubber crumb is the essence of the pitch, it's why 3G resembles a natural surface in terms of bounce compared to the old Astrotruf pitches when the ball skidded off like facing a Michael Holding bouncer. Every year the pitch maintenance requires any "lost" crumb to be replaced (it gets into socks, boots etc). It would be interesting to know what anyone who went to the game thought about the surface. Thanks....interesting!!
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Post by os on Jul 28, 2014 18:55:15 GMT
I have to say that after being a big fan of 3G pitches being allowed in the Conference and looking forward to seeing us play on it. I was a tad disappointed with what I saw, the pitch was completely lifeless, it actually played like it was mud. The bounce was pretty dead and any long ball just seemed to dig in on landing, and the players were having trouble getting the ball out from under their feet. As MarkF says you can't make judgement from just a single match and to see it play in more typical conditions is needed before making too harsh an assessment.
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Post by Stewart on Jul 28, 2014 19:24:31 GMT
You can easily delete posts Mark. Just click on the drop down option on the top right hand side of the post and select delete.
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Post by daveu on Jul 28, 2014 21:09:12 GMT
As a Maidstone supporter I can say that the pitch definitely plays better when it's cooler, maybe the rubber crumb is harder. It really comes into its own when wet. I've seen standing water drain away in less than 5 minutes after a downpour, and the pitch played as well as ever.
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Post by sallycat on Jul 29, 2014 10:05:46 GMT
Hi Dave. Thought that would be the case. Rubber does get softer and even slightly sticky when it's very hot so like others I will reserve judgement
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