The Pitch Whisperer
& Power Hitter
Groundsman. Explosive Batsman. Part-Time Artist. Full-Time Legend.
Joe Gatford
By day he's manicuring the pitch to perfection. By evening, he's depositing the ball somewhere in the neighbouring postcode. Joe Gatford is the man who builds the stage — and then steals the show on it.
The Craft of the Wicket
"I start preparing each wicket 8 or 9 days out from match day. Gradually taking the wicket's grass length down from 12–14mm down eventually to 5–8mm, so as to keep the grass live and not to stress it out. I follow the process each day of brushing and/or gently scarifying the wicket, lifting blades of grass, then giving it a nice even cut with my cylinder mower — then I jump on my two-ton roller and give it a slow roll for 20–30 mins.
My favourite part is the finishing touch of painting the lines with very satisfying precision… I am also a part-time artist so this suits me well! It might sound boring to some, but I absolutely love doing it!"
The Pitch Philosophy
"I would say any wicket I prepare, the boys can work out how to adapt and win on it. But I would say I like to leave a little extra grass on it for our spinners, but enough pace and carry for it to come on nicely for bats and to assist our lively quick bowlers as well… hopefully an all-round good cricket wicket… all going to plan."
The Batsman
"The lads have always sent me out to bat full of confidence in my role as an attacking batsman that had full licence to let loose! My favourite shot is hitting a clean flat six over extra cover!"
top / middle order
over extra cover
Power Hitter
The Honest Truth
"Sometimes it can be a tough day at the office when you put hours of work into a pitch and it's not your day… but on the other hand it can work in my favour — all week I am able to become very familiar with it, and occasionally have a little shadow bat with one of my tools when no one is watching!"
Favourite Cricket Moment
"In a T20 cup game once, needing 30-ish off 4 overs batting down at 6, I came to the crease very relaxed and managed to hit the runs with an over to spare!"
"But overall I'd say the countless memories of Dom'e'ination in the leagues over the years with all my brothers!"