Laver & Wood - Injury Solutions

We at Laver & Wood are fully aware that injuries are inevitable; cricket related or otherwise. We take pride in working closely with our clients who require even more specialized bats that help alleviate any discomfort whilst at the crease, and which fully enhance their batting experience despite their injury. This section is dedicated to our clients who have approached us with special requests.

We strongly believe that one's injuries should not deter them from enjoying their cricket, especially, if we can help provide a remedy for their cricketing needs.

Please contact us with any special requests, and we will be more than happy to talk to you and help you deisgn the perfect bat.

-James Laver

Case Work

My Sports Injury testimonial - Dave Elgee, Blackpool CC, UK

On the 14th March 2005, I cascaded down a flight of stairs (sober as a judge!), and shattered my left elbow.  The resultant ‘fix’ involved the removal of the original radial head and replacement titanium one fitted into the bone (see pictures).  You may think that this would render the arm useless for cricket (as did my surgeon).  I did however think I would never play again. This turned out to not be the case.  As I recuperated I discovered it was downward pressure and reverberation which caused me the most pain and discomfort.  As downward pressure could be reduced by lessening the weight it only left reverb as an obstacle to picking up the willow once more.

After a year of standing on the boundary edge I decided to continue playing, but to do so would need a new lighter bat with the bulk of the weight around the sweet spot.  I contacted a number of manufacturers but to no avail.  Through the circuitous route that is the cricketing fraternity a team-mate suggested I try Laver & Wood, as James Laver was a chap who liked a challenge, and if anyone could help me he was ‘the Man’.  I contacted James and sent my request.  We swapped emails and discussed my requirements.  James explained the practicalities and made suggestions as to a means of stopping the reverb travelling up the handle by using a combination of materials to make the handle.  I shall leave James to explain what he did.

"The handle was our CARBOCANE© handle that had a lower content Carbon in the weave that allowed more flexibilty. The Handle was then bound with a slightly different twine to allow more shock absorbtion. The Top hand had an extra half grip that was and airated rubber underneath a softer Hex Grip. All resulting in a huge amount of shock reduction whilst retaining the performance."

The result, quite simply, is outstanding!  The weight distribution has lent to a meaty sweet spot without losing the overall integrity of the bat.  I play as well as I am able (which is not very) without very little pain or discomfort.  Even when I hit the ball with the toe end, the reverb is minimal.  In a recent match, the repetitive ‘digging out’ of a number of Yorkers from an overly enthusiastic youth proved the effectiveness of the bats reverb reduction.  And when the ball comes of the middle, I simply don’t feel it in my top hand. 

One small gripe though!  This wonderful piece of willow has not managed to increase my batting average. "Give this time David!!!"

Thank you Laver & Wood

With particular thanks to James for his time, patience and expertise.

Dave Elgee, Blackpool CC, UK