Rugby League World Cup - High profile; high demands
Our editor caught up with two head groundsmen from the sport's north west stronghold to find out how they went about preparing for their respective high profile televised games
We certainly had a feast of rugby at the end of 2013, hosting both the 14th Rugby League World Cup Finals and the Rugby Union series of autumn internationals, featuring some of the best teams in the world
Both codes commanded massive support and extensive TV coverage. Having played rugby union and then spent most of my adult life as a follower, I was delighted and more than a little intrigued at the prospect of watching my first ever rugby league international match, held at Leigh Sports Village in November.
It was one of the group games of the World Cup Finals, with Tonga taking on the Cook Islands.

However, on my way to Leigh I decided to call in to see Mel Jones at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, home to the Warrington Wolves. The venue had hosted one of the opening games of the Finals the previous week when New Zealand beat Samoa 42 -24.
My last visit to see Mel was about nine years ago, just after he had taken over at the club.
At that time, Mel was experiencing drainage problems with a new pitch, largely due to insufficient investment in a proper drainage system. However, the problem was rectified following the installation of some primary and secondary drainage in 2007.

However, this year, once Mel found out the stadium was to host two of the World Cup matches, he went about planning a more vigorous renovation programme, rescheduling some league matches to give himself a four weeks window.
The pitch was koroed off and re-seeded by Mallinsons. Within four days, the seed had germinated and, a little over a fortnight later, it was being cut. Mel's feeding regime centres around a granular and liquid programme ensuring there is a balance of root and shoot growth, whilst using a turf hardener iron sulphate for colour in the winter months. He also acquired a set of grow lights, courtesy of one of the club directors. They were of great benefit in helping maintain grass cover in some of the problem areas.
For the World Cup matches, Mel was intending to keep to his usual pre-match routine. However, having found out there was going to be a lot of activity on the pitch, up to several hundred people performing, including dancers and children playing small sided games, he increased his aeration programme, particularly across the centre of the pitch, at the same time applying some additional straight sand to these areas. He also raised the height of cut to 55mm.
The match passed without incident and, more importantly, the pitch stood up to all the activity and a hard fought game between two of the most physical teams in the competition. A great night of rugby, with Mel looking forward to his next World Cup match, Samoa versus Fiji, two weeks later.

Keith was in discussion with the event organisers regarding the arrangements for the pre-match entertainment; very similar to what Mel had to deal with - lots of activity in terms of flag bearers, dancers, parades and small sided games, plus the thirty minute team warm-ups.
On the pitch, at the time, were two members of the grounds staff, finishing off the linemarking. Within an hour, all the lines had been completed and all that was left to do was to put out the post protectors and corner flags - and then keeping unauthorised people off the pitch!
The pitch looked immaculate, especially considering it had staged over thirty rugby league matches and even more training sessions since April.
In September, Keith had managed to fit in a light scarification and overseed of the pitch, plus he undertook some aeration work using the new Air 2G2 from Will Kidd at Fine Turf Services, Cheshire.

Being aware of the need for the stadium to be at its best for the World Cup match, the club supported Keith's decision to have the whole pitch aerated with the machine. This was done straight after the Kingstone Press 2013 Championship Final on the 29th September, following three back to back games in one day.
The air injection was carried out to a depth of 175mm at one metre spacings; the work took nine hours at a cost of around £1000. In Keith's opinion, this was money well spent as there has been enhanced grass cover and a better recovery rate after games.

Members of the armed services marched with the national flags of the teams taking part. However, at times, they were walking along the newly painted lines, something Keith was not too pleased about!
With ninety minutes to go before kick-off, the final jobs were to secure the walkways and remove any machinery and equipment to a compound outside the stadium. We then went back into the mess room to have some pre-match tea, with Keith kindly buying me a fish and chips supper.
Gates were open around 6.30pm, with an anticipated full house of 10,000 plus spectators; only the second time that the stadium had entertained a capacity audience.

With a two hour drive home, I was able to reflect on a very enjoyable and memorable first ever rugby league game for me - featuring two hakas, some fantastic tries, a few game-changing errors and an incredibly moving joint prayer at the end.
Certainly a night, and a day, to remember. And my thanks to both Keith and Mel, and their teams, for their hospitality and for allowing me to be involved in their important World Cup preparations.