Ground Name: Sano 1, Sano 2

Location: Sano Shi, Funatsugawacho 2-8-1 ( This is the address of  a property just the other side of the embankment) The pitch itself is at 36°16′ 09.80″N   139°34′ 43.73″E

Nearest Station: JR Tatebayashi Station. However, players often drive up from Tokyo and Chiba.

Access: By Taxi, about a 20 min ride - cost approx ￥3000 - not cheap.

Meeting Point: For players coming from Tokyo - Tobu Asakusa Station Front Ticket Gate.

Map:

 

 

Pitch Reports:

Sano 1 - The Sharks favourite ground as it was here that the 2010 JCL1 Championship was claimed. The pitch is made of plastic carpet and is in pretty good condition and plays true with few, if any, demons. It is unwise to bowl too short here as the ball can sit up invitingly and spinners should not expect to find excessive turn here either. After rain, the pitch drains quickly but the outfield is rather sluggish. After fine weather though the whole ground bakes solid and the outfield is quick and even byes can easily go for 4 down towards the River End. The ground is also used for baseball and in the deeper outfield care needs to be taken when fielding near the numerous bumps and mounds that are present. [Anton]

Sano 2 - Just up the track is the newer and better appointed Sano 2 ground. It is also a carpet pitch but, being newer and in better condition, plays even truer than Sano 1. The straight boundaries are very short though and a lot of runs can be accumulated with forceful shots down the wicket. Unsurprisingly, long off and long on see a fair amount of action and it is wise to set the team’s best catchers of the ball in these positions.
The outfield is on the slowish side due to the thickness of the grass and clover that cover it, especially if there is any moisture lying around. The ground has a history of quite poor drainage so matches can often be cancelled or moved to Sano 1 after wet spells. [Anton]

Facilities: Sano is a tale of two grounds. At Sano 2  there is a Portaloo with a sink and running water although I doubt if it is safe to drink. There is also some shade provided by metal shelters with seating. At Sano 1 there is a tree, nothing else. Supplies should be purchased beforehand at the convenience store by the station. The station kiosk also sells packets of “Sano Ramen” - an ideal souvenir of the area.

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