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Turf Comb Keeps Rugby Pitches In Good Trim At Harrow School

The 18 rugby pitches at Harrow school need to be good. They have produced some of the finest rugby talent in the country and support the activities of 800 boys 5 days a week. This is why the school has recently purchased an OPICO Grass Harrow.

"The 'Turf Comb' is a key piece of equipment," says Ted Hadwin, Head Groundsman for 17 years, inspecting the 60 acres of rolling lush mat on the heavy London clay. "We have to produce a tight and compact sward capable of standing up to year long activity. The OPICO Grass Harrow enables us to achieve this aim."

"We used to use an 8ft wide straight rake but it kept blocking which reduced its effectiveness. The OPICO doesn't block and it is wider so it covers the ground quicker in a cleaner level pass.""The OPICO also removes the thatch and secondary growth," says Mr Hadwin. "We did consider a different machine but it only performed that function. The Grass Harrow produces the same results as well as having other uses."

After a couple of passes with the OPICO the team then uses a sweeper to clear the pitches of the loosened thatch before marking out. "In fact," says Mr Hadwin "We also use the Grass Harrow before cutting to make the sward stand up for the mower!"

"Even in warm weather the soft clay moulds and dents," says Mr Hadwin. "In the past we have used chain and spike harrows to rejuvenate and regulate the topsoil. But the OPICO does the whole job as it has adjustable tines. I hope that I can do away with others altogether."

The pitches receive a soil/sand top dressing regularly throughout the season.

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