Sports Technology

When Melbourne Grammar School (MGS) decided to install an artificial grass pitch at their Wadhurst Oval, they drew inspiration from the Australian National University, where, in 2010, HG Sports Turf installed two Desso Ambition artificial turf pitches.

Field tested and certified to both FIFA 1-Star and 2-Star standard while also being compliant with International Hockey Federation (FIH) standards, an MGS representative inspected the ANU's pitches and decided that the same Desso system would be ideal for the School's Australian rules football and cricket oval.

A key factor in the decision was, according to MGS spokesperson Greg Caldwell that "the school was looking for an artificial turf system that passed Australian Football League and Cricket Australia (CA) artificial turf standards and (that was also) student friendly.

In addition, MGS chose a Desso Ambition surface as it "does not use rubber infill, ensuring it is cooler for students in the summer months."

Opened in March this year, the Wadhurst Oval is only the third AFL approved synthetic surface in Australia. It is also the first AFL/CA certified junior size oval. In use through the winter football season, the surface has been field tested and certified under AFL and Cricket Australia artificial turf standards ï¾ a first for cricket fields internationally.

Although not marked for football, the surface also meets world governing body FIFA's 2-Star certification making it an ideal multi-sport all-weather surface.

While the surface itself looks and feels spectacular, what is underneath is equally as impressive. The surface's shock pad simulates the performance of natural turf, providing a level playing surface and aiding drainage. In addition, there are 600,000 litres worth of rain water tanks beneath the surface to store water that drains from the surface for use elsewhere in the school.

HG Sports Turf has an impressive record at the MCG and has recently been engaged by Etihad Stadium to deal with their turf surface issues.

Boys at MGS now have a sports oval with a truly world-class surface.

Wadhurst Oval was featured in the October/November 2011 issue of Australasian Leisure Management.

For more information contact Hamish Sutherland of HG Sports Turf Pty Ltd on 03 9329 8154, E: hsutherland@hgsportsturf.com.au, ww.hgsportsturf.com.au

28th July 2010 - ETIHAD STADIUM PLAYING SURFACE UNDER FIRE