Cricket Bat Repairs in Cambridgeshire: Restoring Your Bat to Its Former Glory with WG Willow

Even the finest cricket bats are susceptible to wear and damage over time, cricket bats are a natural product and have a life span, the good news is most cricket bats repaired.

This is where WG Willow steps in, offering exceptional cricket bat repairs in Cambridgeshire. With a legacy of craftsmanship and a deep understanding of cricket and cricket bats, WG Willow ensures that no bat is ever turned away, no matter the extent of the damage.

The Expertise Behind WG Willow Cricket Bat Repairs

WG Willow is owned by Gary Sandford, an ex-minor county player with over 35 years of experience in bat making and cricket bat repairs. Gary's extensive knowledge and passion for cricket are evident in every bat he crafts and repairs.

His commitment to quality and attention to detail have made WG Willow a trusted name for cricket bat repairs in and around the Cambridgeshire area.

Gary takes pride in everything he does, even down to the intricate stickers for his cricket bat range, which you can see below.

WG Willow cricket bat

Comprehensive Cricket Bat Repair Services

At WG Willow, we offer a range of comprehensive repair services to ensure that your cricket bat performs at its best. Our expert team, led by Gary Sandford, meticulously handles each repair with the utmost care and precision.

Here's a detailed overview of the repair services we provide:

Cricket Bat Repair Full Service

Our Full Service includes a thorough overhaul of your bat:

  • Sticker Removal: We start by carefully removing all existing stickers and removing the glue.
  • Gluing Splits and Cracks: All splits and cracks on the face, edges, and toe area are glued to restore structural integrity.
  • Sanding: The entire bat is sanded to smooth out any rough areas and prepare it for further treatment.
  • F/G Tape and Anti-Scuff Application: We apply fiberglass (F/G) tape and anti-scuff sheet as needed to protect the bat from future damage.
  • Toe Guard Application: If possible, we fit a toe guard to protect the toe from further wear (but this is optional)
  • New Stickers: If provided, new stickers are applied to give your bat a fresh look.

After completing the Full Service, your bat will not only look rejuvenated but will also be ready to deliver top performance on the field.

Our meticulous attention to detail ensures that every aspect of your bat is restored to its best possible condition, enhancing both its durability and playability.

With the added protection of F/G tape, anti-scuff sheets, and a new toe guard, your bat is equipped to withstand the rigors of the game especially in the off season if you are going to be netting.

Trust WG Willow’s Full Service to breathe new life into your cricket bat, so you can continue playing with confidence.

Gary Sandford and WG Willow cricket bat repairs in Cambridge

Cricket Bat Repair Winter Service

Our Winter Service is designed to prepare your bat for the off-season and includes:

  • Gluing Splits and Cracks: We glue any splits and cracks on the face, edges, and toe area as required.
  • Sanding: The face, edges, and toe area are sanded to ensure a smooth surface.
  • F/G Tape and Anti-Scuff Application: Fiberglass tape and anti-scuff sheet are applied as needed.
  • Toe Guard: Application of a toe guard is available at an additional charge.

Note: If the shoulders of the bat need gluing due to splits or handle movement, an additional charge of £15.00 will apply.

The Cricket Bat Repair Winter Service is designed to prepare your bat for the off-season and ensure it’s in top condition for the winter nets and the upcoming season.

By addressing any existing splits, cracks, and wear, this service helps prevent minor issues from becoming major problems, which if not delt with will cost more to repair in the long run.

With the application of F/G tape and an anti-scuff sheet, your bat is well-protected and ready to endure the demands of the batting. This service provides peace of mind, knowing that your bat will be primed and ready when you return to the crease.

Cricket bat winter service and repair in Cambridge

Cricket Bat Weight Reduction

For players looking to adjust their bat's weight, we offer:

  • Weight Reduction: We can reduce the weight from the back of the bat by up to 3 ounces, if possible.
  • Rebalance: The bat is rebalanced to ensure it retains its performance characteristics.
  • Sanding and Polishing: The bat is sanded and polished to a smooth finish.

Our Cricket Bat Weight Reduction service is perfect for players looking to fine-tune their bat to match their playing style. By carefully removing weight from the back of the bat and rebalancing it, we ensure that the bat retains its power while offering improved maneuverability.

After planing, sanding and polishing, your bat will not only feel lighter but will also maintain its structural integrity and performance at the crease. Whether you’re looking to enhance your speed at the crease or simply prefer a lighter bat, this service is tailored to meet your needs, giving you greater confidence and control in every stroke.

Cricket Bat Grafting

Our grafting service involves:

  • Willow Insertion: We insert a new piece of willow into the area where a piece is missing or broken off.
  • Reshaping: The new willow piece is reshaped to blend seamlessly with the bat.
  • Sanding and F/G Tape: The bat is sanded, and fiberglass tape is applied as needed.

Our Cricket Bat Grafting service is an expert solution for repairing significant damage where pieces of willow are missing or broken off.

By seamlessly inserting and reshaping new willow into the damaged area, we restore your bat’s original form. The grafted section is meticulously sanded and reinforced with F/G tape, ensuring both strength and durability.

This process not only revives the bat’s appearance but also its performance, allowing you to continue playing with the same bat you’ve grown accustomed to.

With WG Willow’s grafting service, your bat can withstand the rigors of the game once more, extending its life and preserving your connection with it.

Cricket Bat Rehandling

When a new handle is needed, we provide:

  • Splice Cutting: The old handle is carefully removed by cutting the splice.
  • New Handle Fitting: A new handle is fitted, finished, and shaped to match the previous handle's specifications.

Our Cricket Bat Rehandling service is essential for restoring the feel and performance of your bat when the handle has become damaged or broken.

By carefully removing the old handle and fitting a new one (also known as resplicing), we ensure that your bat regains its original balance and responsiveness.

The new handle is shaped to match the previous specifications (whether a round, oval or semi-oval handle shape), providing you with the familiar grip.

This service breathes new life into your bat, allowing you to continue playing with confidence, knowing that your bat is equipped to perform at its best. Trust WG Willow to expertly rehandle your bat, ensuring it feels just right in your hands.

Cricket bat rehandling in Cambridge

Cricket Bat Rehandle and Service

This service combines our Rehandle and Winter Service, ensuring your bat receives a complete overhaul, including a new handle and all the treatments of our Winter Service.

Cricket Bat Handle Reshaping

For players who prefer a different handle shape, we offer:

  • Twine Removal: The old twine is removed from the bat handle.
  • Handle Reshape: The handle is reshaped to either round or oval. If an oval shape is desired, the handle is built up with tape and rebound with twine.

The Cricket Bat Rehandle and Service offers a comprehensive service that combines the precision of our rehandling expertise with the thorough care of our Winter Service.

This dual approach not only replaces your damaged handle but also ensures that the entire bat is reinforced, sanded, and protected, ready for peak performance.

By addressing both the structural integrity of the handle and the overall condition of the bat, this service guarantees that your bat feels as good as new, with enhanced durability and longevity.

Cricket Bat Handle Reglue

If your handle needs re-gluing, we provide:

  • Twine Removal: All twine is removed from the bat handle.
  • Regluing and Clamping: The handle is re-glued and clamped securely.
  • Rebinding: The handle is rebound with new twine for a secure grip.

Getting your Cricket Bat Knocked-In

To prepare your bat for play, we offer:

  • Machine Knock-In: The bat is knocked in using our specialized machine.
  • F/G Tape and Anti-Scuff: Fiberglass tape is applied to the edges, and an anti-scuff sheet is applied to the face.

Our Cricket Bat Knocked-In service is crucial for preparing your cricket bat, bats must always be knocked in before you use them.

By expertly knocking in your bat using our specialized machine, we ensure that the willow fibers are properly compressed and the edges are reinforced, reducing the risk of damage during play.

The application of F/G tape to the edges and an anti-scuff sheet to the face adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring your bat is match-ready. With this service, your bat will be fully conditioned and ready to perform at its best from the first ball.

Cricket Bat Anti-Scuff Fitted in Cambridgshire

To protect the surface of your bat, we offer:

  • Anti-Scuff Application: An anti-scuff sheet is applied to a plain, unoiled surface.

Cricket Bat Toe Guard Fitted in Cambridgeshire

We can fit a toe guard to your bat to protect the toe from damage.

Cricket bat toe guard fitted by WG willow in Cambridge

New Cricket Bat Grip Fitted In Cambridgeshire

We provide new grip fittings to ensure a comfortable and secure hold on your bat.

Why Choose WG Willow?

Choosing WG Willow for cricket bat repairs in Cambridgeshire comes with several benefits:

  • Expert Craftsmanship: With over three decades of experience, Gary Sandford brings unparalleled expertise to every repair.
  • Personalized Service: We treat every bat with the utmost care and attention, ensuring that each repair is tailored to the specific needs of the bat and its owner.
  • Quality Materials: We use only the best materials for our repairs, ensuring longevity and performance.
  • Comprehensive Repairs: No job is too big or small. From minor touch-ups to major overhauls, we handle all types of repairs.

No matter the issue, from small cosmetic blemishes to significant structural damage, WG Willow's repair services are designed to give your bat a new lease of life. Our commitment to excellence ensures that your repaired bat performs just as well, if not better, than it did before.

The Cricket Bat Repair Process

When you bring your bat to WG Willow for repairs, you can expect a thorough and professional process.

Here's a glimpse into how we handle cricket bat repairs in our Cambridgeshire workshop;

  1. Assessment: Every repair begins with a detailed assessment of the damage. Gary Sandford personally examines each bat to determine the best course of action.

  2. Preparation: Once the repair plan is established, we prepare the bat by cleaning the damaged area and removing any debris or loose materials.

  3. Repair: Using high-quality materials and proven techniques, we carry out the necessary repairs. Whether it's filling cracks, reinforcing weak spots, or fitting a new handle, our repairs are done with precision and care.

  4. Finishing Touches: After the repair, we sand and polish the bat to ensure a smooth finish. We also apply protective coatings to enhance durability.

  5. Quality Check: Before returning your bat, we conduct a final quality check to ensure that the repair meets our high standards. Only when we are fully satisfied with the repair do we consider the job complete.

Why Choose WG Willow?

Choosing WG Willow for cricket bat repairs in Cambridgeshire comes with several benefits:

  • Expert Craftsmanship: With over three decades of experience, Gary Sandford brings unparalleled expertise to every repair.

  • Personalized Service: We treat every bat with the utmost care and attention, ensuring that each repair is tailored to the specific needs of the bat and its owner.

  • Quality Materials: We use only the best materials for our repairs, ensuring longevity and performance.

  • Comprehensive Repairs: No job is too big or small. From minor touch-ups to major overhauls, we handle all types of repairs.

Testimonials from Satisfied Customers

Our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction has earned us praise from cricketers across Cambridgeshire. Here are a few testimonials from our valued clients:

"I brought my bat to WG Willow with a significant shoulder crack. I was worried it was beyond repair, but Gary worked his magic, and it feels as good as new. Highly recommend their services!" - John P.

"The toe of my bat was badly damaged, and I was considering buying a new one. I'm glad I chose WG Willow instead. Their repair work is exceptional, and my bat has never performed better." - Sarah T.

"After a handle replacement at WG Willow, my bat feels perfectly balanced again. The craftsmanship is top-notch. Thank you, Gary!" - Michael R.

Conclusion: Custom Bats to Meet Every Requirement

In addition to cricket bat repairs, WG Willow also specializes in crafting handmade cricket bats. Understanding that every cricketer has unique preferences and playing styles, we offer full customization to meet individual requirements. Whether you prefer a specific shape, weight, or middle position, we can create a bat tailored just for you.

Our selection of grade 1, 2, and 3 clefts English willow provides a range of options for customization. Each cleft is carefully chosen for its quality, ensuring that every bat we make meets our high standards. With price points to suit all budgets, WG Willow offers a perfect blend of quality and affordability.

In conclusion, WG Willow is your go-to destination for all cricket bat repairs in Cambridgeshire. Our commitment to excellence, personalized service, and extensive experience ensure that your bat is in the best hands.

Whether you need a repair or a custom-made bat, WG Willow delivers unmatched quality and satisfaction. Trust us to keep your bat performing at its peak, game after game.

For all cricket bat repair enquiries you can contact Gary on gary@wgwillow.com or WhatsApp him on +44 07722 963888 and he will answer all your questions.