"Permanent nets are unsuitable on our site, what are the alternatives?"

The most basic alternative to a socketed tubular steel cricket cage are traditional wooden pole type cages. The netting is supported by wooden poles in each corner which have a ground spike one end that pushes into the turf. The poles are supported by adjustable guy ropes and ground pegs.

Wooden pole cricket net systems do take some time to erect and can only be left in place on secure sites as they are easy to remove. They are intended for use on grass where they will need to be moved as the grass wears. Wooden pole cricket net systems can be awkward to reposition when it's time to cut the grass.

In response to the drawbacks of the wooden pole type cages, the 'Winch System' was developed.

Here a ground socket is installed at each end of the net runs, with a steel post fitting into each socket. One has a basic strap winch attached; the other is an anchor post. A steel wire runs between the posts at high level, attached to the anchor post with a loop and to the strap winch with a clip, so the winch can tension the wire (a similar principal to tennis posts).

The cricket net winch system allows the net to be attached to the tension wire with rings or clips so it can be drawn back to either end like a curtain. This enables the grass to be cut unimpeded. As there are only 2 posts per net run they are quite quick to put up and take down, certainly when compared to a traditional multi-upright socketed cricket cage.

There are several types of mobile cricket cage on the market which, as the name suggests, can be moved fully assembled to the location required. Due to having to remain portable, the vast majority of portable cricket cages are rather small (single bay x 7.3m long). Most have either a pair of transporting wheels so one end of the cage has to be lifted to move it or are fully wheeled so the cage can be pushed without lifting.

Steel cricket cages are generally much heavier to move but strong, whereas aluminium cricket cages are lighter to move but perhaps less durable in unsupervised locations. These cages are often pushed out onto the square and used for batting practice. Storage can be an issue as they are intended to be left assembled and take up a lot of space.

The final option is the "concertina" type cage which comprises hinged steel framed panels on wheels that enable the cage to fold back to a wall or fence when not being used. These cages can be locked in this position to prevent unauthorised use. Two people can extend the cage from its folded position to the in-use position. A number of standard sizes and finishes are available.

All of the above cricket cage systems and others will be offered by most reputable specialist cricket equipment suppliers.

 

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