My Great Uncle told me over a pint, some time ago, that during the 'amateur' years that Ben Culey had 13 'gardeners' working for him.

I don't think a few hours of use by 'youngsters' on mainly dry, sunny evenings would have contributed any part in the current (and arguably) season long condition of the pitch....that has so far been used for some twenty games.

As someone else who watched my first game at The Walks in the early sixties, it is difficult to equate a similar area of grass enabling all first team, reserves and some 'A' team games.... including the Eastern Professional Floodlit League and all Cup competions.