I think some of the lads had been mainlining the stuff the way the errors were coming up. I should imagine it is difficult to smoke because it will fall out of the roll up.

The 'crumb level' is a maintenance thing. Most of the time the pitch will be brushed to keep it even, but occassionally it will be topped up to allow for settlement / removal etc.

The level of the crumbs will have an effect on the bouce of the ball and, as with the effect of a divot on a grass pitch, an patch of disturbed crumb will affect the bounc also. It's not about gaining an advantage - other than understanding the nature of play.

I thought we did our homework really well and used the pitch well - we kept up a fast pace and quick ptb as much as possible - and the speed of play is vital on these surfaces.

I don't like the idea of doing away with grass - especially as how well the technology has imporved for turf over the years - but I can understand the business decision behind its use. In fairness there have been some poor examples of grass pitches in recent years as well - the Galpharm is still not great (hybrid system) and Danny Cowling tweeted recently to ask if anyone could return the grass from the Keepmoat!

Maybe i'm old fashioned but I think rugby should be played on grass, end of!

And going by the picture of Peter Foxs' knee after the game on twitter I imagine he does as well!

If you listen to the sky commentary (a horrible experience I know) they do mention that the pitch had been filled in more this year which would imply that Widnes can change the 'crumb' level.

We occasionally train on an all weather pitch and its just very unpleasant for rugby, get back to grass!

Widnes added four tonnes of black crumb to the I(njury) pitch the day before playing Warrington.

Saves them money, means the pitch can be useable by many community groups. I don't see the great negative in it really.

If we had one at Newmarket, and the costs saved helped the club grow, would we be against it?

Just seems to be an easy excuse for players, fans and coaches to have a whinge at. A rugby ball bounces oddly because of it's shape.

Quite a few Widnes fans seem to be cursing it, added to that lots of injuries seem to be coming from the surface.


So yes i think i would be agianst it at Newmarket.

does anyone know why the players keep getting cut after falling on the ipitch? is it because the blades of grass are plastic which in turn is causing friction burns and cuts?

More than likely. Did you see the state of foxys knee on twitter. It was a right mess