Pitch Renovation Work

This summer, you may have noticed Leigh Leopards had a number of back-to-back away games as LSV undertook some incredible pitch renovation work, installing a new hybrid stitched pitch.

The reason this renovation has taken extra time this year is due to a full rebuild, including removal and replacement of the gravel layer, heating pipes, irrigation pipework and new drains.

This lengthy but important process started with removing existing vegetation and organic matter to a depth of 25mm, which then allowed SEL to evacuate down to a depth of 100mm into the sand layer above the pitch heating pipes. It was at this point new infield and perimeter sprinklers were fitted with a new modern controller. Once this was complete, SEL applied layers of sand and soil and compacted the surface for seeding again; then a bitmic shock pad (consisting of rubber mixed with polyurethane resin) was applied to comply with the health and safety regulations for player welfare across both sports.

Once these processes drew to a close, SIS stitched artificial fibres into the natural grass (making up 4% of the total surface area of the pitch, the other 96% being natural grass). In this process, the grass roots wrap around the artificial fibres that give it the reinforcement needed when accommodating the three different sporting teams. Well done to all our team involved co-ordinating this huge project and thank you to all the different suppliers and contractors involved.