Cricket clubs score at IOG awards

Lisvane CC and Bletchley CC were winners at the first Institute of Groundsmanship Awards ceremony.

The event took place at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, where grounds professionals from throughout the UK were in attendance to hear the results judged by the independent panel.

There were over 300 attendees at the prestigious event recognising the work of Groundsmen across all sports from grass roots to professional sport. The criteria for success included the effective use of resource, presentation and housekeeping standards, budgetary control and environmental considerations. The Institute of Groundsmanship Awards nominated cricket in three different categories.

The first award of the evening was picked up by Lisvane Cricket Club, Cardiff who was crowned Volunteer Sports Grounds Management Team of the Year - supported by Barclays Spaces for Sport Programme.

It was the result of 18 months hard work spearheaded by Ken Mitchell, having converted Llwynarthen Ground from a meadow into a top class cricketing ground.

Bruce Cruse, ECB Funding and Facilities Manager said: “It is a remarkable achievement for Ken and his team to have produced an excellent cricket ground which has now hosted over 90 games in 18 months, this award is thoroughly deserved after fighting off some tough competition."

There was more success in the Grass Roots Sports Ground of the Year category - supported by the CCPR (Central Council of Physical Recreation) - awarded to Alan Smith of Bletchley Town Cricket Club.

Finally, John Dodwell, ECB Pitch Advisor from Caterham School was nominated in Groundsman’s Groundsman of the Year category, but eventually lost out to Jonathan Calderwood of Aston Villa.