Three games into the new National League One season, it is clear there is nothing artificial about Rosslyn Park’s intentions to battle for promotion.
Under the leadership of head coach James Buckland, Park are unbeaten so far this season and sit second in the table.
However, there is an exciting yet artificial element to Park’s home games, and although the Rock has witnessed two home wins out of two, including last weekend’s 26-17 triumph over Darlington Mowden Park, there is more to home events than simply rugby.
At the beginning of the year, Park put in place a £1.5m development plan designed to secure the club’s existence for future generations.
The work included the installation of an artificial 3G pitch meaning the club’s minis – numbering almost 1,000 and the largest in England – as well their seven adult sides no longer have to train or play their games in Richmond Park.
That work was completed in time for the new season, and Park are slowly turning it into a new fortress.
Hitting new heights: Park’s Sam Shires collects a line-out during Saturday’s 26-17 win over Darlington Mowden Park
But it has also had an effect on the match day experience as a whole, bringing more people through the gates to support the first team’s drive for the Greene King Championship.
Park fly half and coach Scott Sneddon is in the unfortunate position of having to watch the club’s growth from the sidelines after breaking his leg during the opening day win over Henley.
However, it does mean he can see just how effective the new pitch and developments are at the Rock.
He said: “Prior to the Henley game there were something like two games on the pitch, which means the kids and families using it often stay around for the first team game – it creates a great atmosphere.
“You can play on the pitch all day long, and it also means that the minis and the juniors can use the pitch for training rather than going to Richmond Park.”
He added: “It has really helped enhance the club in the community, and that can only be a benefit.”
Director of rugby Shaun Justice said: “In choosing to install a 3G pitch, Rosslyn Park is taking a huge step forward for a League One club.
“As the biggest capital out-lay for many a moon it was a major project for us.
“We are absolutely delighted with our new pitch, it is an amazing facility, the amount and quality of rugby that is now being played on it is fantastic.”
He added: “We could not be happier with our decision to install an artificial pitch facility and as importantly our decision to work with SIS.”
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