Since the purchase of their 2G Flicx Pitch in April 2023, Chippenham Cricket Club has continued to benefit from its flexibility and performance. In a new series of videos, we highlight the versatility of the portable pitch and its positive impact on both junior and senior cricket activities at CCC. This article focuses on two of the new videos released—an interview with club chairman Darren Hughes and a montage video showcasing the various uses of the pitch where Chippenham Cricket Club providing a closer look at how the 2G Flicx Pitch is transforming their training and match-day experience.
Chippenham Chairman, Darren Hughes Discusses their 2G Flicx Pitch
In a recent interview filmed in the summer of 2024, Chippenham CC chairman Darren Hughes shared his thoughts on how their 2G Flicx Pitch purchased in 2023, has exceeded his expectations.
“We were looking for a solution that could cater for the growing demand on our facilities,” said Darren. “The 2G Flicx Pitch has not only given us more space, but it’s also given us a consistent, high-quality surface that we can use across multiple teams and formats. It’s been an absolute game-changer.”
The video interview, now available on the Flicx UK YouTube channel and linked below, reveals how the pitch has helped the club manage the demands of their growing junior and women’s cricket sections, with Darren explaining how the pitch has made training and match days more efficient, while also saving valuable time for volunteers.
Watch the full interview here: Darren Hughes Interview – The 2G Flicx Pitch at Chippenham Cricket Club
The Flicx Pitch in Action: Montage Video
Chippenham’s 2G Flicx Pitch has quickly become a central feature of the club’s operations, and this montage video captures the pitch’s wide-ranging applications. From women’s softball festivals to junior club training and senior practice sessions, the video highlights how the pitch is used across various levels of play.
Some of the key scenes in the montage video include:
- Women’s Softball Festivals: Two matches being held simultaneously, one on the 2G Flicx Pitch and the other on a synthetic surface, with four teams competing across both pitches.
- Junior League Matches: U9s and U11s teams playing on the pitch, benefiting from the consistent bounce and the ability to play proper cricket shots.
- Senior Club Training: The pitch being used for both batting and bowling practice, providing much-needed extra space for training.
- Junior Club Training: The pitch being split into two batting ends, accommodating up to 120 youngsters with varying skill levels, all while maintaining a high standard of play.
- The montage video beautifully showcases the adaptability and effectiveness of the Flicx Pitch, underscoring its role as an essential tool in Chippenham’s cricket development.
Watch the full montage video here: Chippenham CC 2G Flicx Pitch in Action – A Visual Showcase
Continued Benefits for Chippenham CC
Since its delivery, the 2G Flicx Pitch has allowed Chippenham Cricket Club to do more with less. The time-saving benefits for the grounds team are immeasurable, with the pitch adding two additional training areas with minimal extra preparation time. The club’s groundsmen now only need to roll the pitch for about 10 minutes and mow the grass, saving them valuable hours that can be used elsewhere at the club.
As Darren explains in the video interview, the pitch has significantly reduced the strain on their volunteers, giving them more time to focus on other aspects of club management.
“The pitch really is a time-saver for us,” he says. “It helps our grounds team do more with less effort, and that’s crucial when you’re relying on volunteers.”
The club is now looking to extend its use of the pitch, considering using it indoors as two net lanes and on top of their main square for senior training in the 2024 season to protect it whilst providing a realistic surface for batting on.
The Impact of the 2G Flicx Pitch on Club Growth
Chippenham Cricket Club’s growth in recent years has been remarkable, with increased participation from both juniors and women’s cricket. The investment in a 2G Flicx Pitch has been a key factor in their ability to expand their cricket offering. As Darren points out
“With more clubs focusing on growing women’s and girls’ cricket, the demand for high-quality training facilities is growing. The Flicx Pitch meets this need, providing a reliable surface that ensures players get the best preparation possible.”
The club is also seeing an increase in interest from other local teams, with nearby Tuddenham Cricket Club already purchasing their own 2G Flicx Pitch after seeing Chippenham’s success. “We’re happy to be advocates for the Flicx Pitch,” says Darren. “If it continues to perform as well as it has in our first year, I’m confident that other clubs with junior sections will see the benefits, and their groundsmen will appreciate the time saved.”
The Future for Chippenham CC and the 2G Flicx Pitch
Looking forward, Darren remains optimistic about the continued use of the 2G Flicx Pitch. “The club’s potential for further growth is huge,” he concludes. “The Flicx Pitch gives us the opportunity to offer more cricket, without the pressure of constantly maintaining multiple turf wickets. It’s been a fantastic addition to our facilities, and we’re already planning how to use it more in the coming years.”
With Chippenham Cricket Club already seeing the positive impact of the Flicx Pitch, the club is well-positioned for continued growth in both its playing and training opportunities. These videos offer an informative behind the scenes look at the many ways the pitch is supporting the club’s development and helping them meet the evolving demands of cricket in the modern age.
For clubs in similar situations, Darren’s advice is clear: “If you’re looking for a cost-effective, versatile solution that helps you offer more cricket, a Flicx Pitch is definitely worth considering.”
Watch the videos now:
- Darren Hughes Interview – The 2G Flicx Pitch at Chippenham Cricket Club
- Chippenham CC 2G Flicx Pitch in Action MONTAGE – A Visual Showcase
- Demonstration Video – https://flicx.com/demonstration-video-of-the-2g-flicx-pitch/
- Applications of the 2G Flicx Pitch video – https://flicx.com/applications-of-a-2g-flicx-pitch-video/
- Cricket Nets / Training on the 2G Flicx Pitch – https://youtu.be/4vph42_dRZ4
Chippenham CC Quick Facts
- Facilities: 1 ground, small pavilion, 2 astro nets, 1 synthetic strip, and a roll-on net.
- Membership: 200 active members, including 130 juniors.
- Teams: 7 adult sides (2 Saturday, 2 Sunday, 2 Midweek, 1 Ladies), 7 junior teams, women’s softball, Allstars, and Dynamo programmes.
- Background: Located in a picturesque park estate on the Cambs/Suffolk border, Chippenham has developed from a village club into a thriving league cricket club with a strong emphasis on junior and women’s cricket.
Chippenham’s Grounds Team
- Volunteers contribute approximately 40 hours of work per week.
- The 2G Flicx Pitch has saved significant preparation time while maintaining a high standard of play.