Gordon wins ground award

13 October 2006

The excellent Brit Oval pitch won both awards © Surrey CCC

Bill Gordon has won a Groundsman of the Year award for the fourth season in succession, with both the 2006 four-day and one-day accolades going to the Brit Oval pitches.

Mick Hunt of Lord’s was awarded the runner-up prize in the four-day section and Andy Fogarty from Headingley Carnegie was the runner-up in the one-day category.

Commendations went to Philip Frost (Taunton), Mike Grantham (Canterbury), Peter Marron (Old Trafford) and Andy Fogarty (Headingley Carnegie) in the four-day pitch category.

Len Smith (Sophia Gardens), Peter Marron (Old Trafford), Mick Hunt (Lord’s), Steve Birks (Trent Bridge) and Kenny Nisbet (The Citylets Grange) were commended in the one-day category.

John Moden at Fenners is the winner for the UCCEs pitches, with Craig Thompson at Durham Racecourse as the runner-up. Micky Stewart at Scarborough was awarded the outgrounds prize, with Matt Pullen at Whitgift School earning the runner-up Award. Andy Peirson at Beckenham received a commendation in the outgrounds category.

Alan Fordham, head of operations, commented: “Umpires' marks have indicated a good overall standard of pitches in four-day cricket and particularly in one-day cricket in 2006. We are delighted to announce these awards which recognise head groundsmen who have prepared the best pitches this season.

“Special congratulations go to Bill Gordon at The Brit Oval who continues to lead the way in pitch preparation in both formats of the game.”