Cricket World Groundcare Awards 2022 at the Home of Cricket

Have a scroll through all the images of the Cricket World Groundcare Awards 2022 at Lord's.

A fabulous presentation day, at Lord’s, was enjoyed by all the winners of the Cricket World Groundcare Awards 2022.

The group gathered for the Presentation, which was attended by Karl McDermott MCC Head Groundsman. at Lord’s (a previous Cricket World Groundcare Award winner, whilst at Clontarf CC, in Ireland) and Alastair Symondson (Cricket World).

Thanks to all the sponsors who made it possible: Iseki, Stuart Canvas Group, Dennis Mowers, SISIS Machinery and Boughton Loam.

The Awards had been introduced by Cricket World to recognise the dedication and hard work that groundcare individuals put into maintaining and producing cricket squares and outfields, for recreational clubs, schools and universities, in the UK and Ireland without whom there would be no cricket.

Adam Paynter, who nominated Keith, had this to say: "Keith has done a fantastic job for over 30 years caring for 2 cricket pitches for 4 mens teams and 4 junior teams as well as hosting minor County games. He spends hours working on the grounds year round. We consistently score as one of the best grounds in Cornwall year after year and that is all down to Keith."

Dave Attfied, Club Secretary, spoke on Steve Cavendish: "Steve works tirelessly on the ground from early mornings before work to late in the evening after work as well as weekends. The standard of the wickets have improved year on year, reflected in being awarded the highest marks in Cornwall's County 1 Division last year with many favourable comments from visiting players as well as being awarded the Rosevear Cup Finals Day and County Finals by the Cornwall Cricket League."

"Steve very rarely plays and donates all his time for the benefit of others, he is also Club Chairman and Youth Co-ordinator and has successfully launched a 3rd team this year for youth players and their dads which has meant taking on another ground to prepare. I do not know how many hours Steve puts into the club every week but it is considerable and I would like to see his efforts rewarded."

Richard Mason, Club Secretary, spoke on George Mills: "George MIlls has been the head groundsman at West Herts CC for 11 years, he has taken the ground from grave yard to grade 1. So much so that this summer West Herts is holding the annual Middlesex vs Hertfordshire showcase game. So much more than a Head Groundsman George works relentlessly to make the ground a picture every weekend and even harder to accommodate the 100s of Junior fixtures every summer."

Lee Gostelow, Ashmore Club Captain, shared his thoughts on Andy: "Andy has been giving up his own time to maintain the square and outfield of Ashmore for over 20 years. He is the 4th generation of his family to play for Ashmore and help run and maintain the club both on and off the field. At a recent family funeral the collection was donated tot he club to enable us to buy a new set of much needed gang mowers further strengthening the link between Andy, his family and the club. He has held all positions within the club over the years."

Alvanley CC had words to share on Ian's hard work: "Ian works full time, on shifts and has been our grounds man for as long as I can remember. He dedication and passion for how the whole ground looks is simply remarkable. As most groundsman tend to be, Ian is precious about the wicket, square and outfield."

"Only a volunteer, Ian spends countless hours, mowing, rolling the square and outfield, re-seeding, scarifying, on rare occasions in the country…watering! This has always been the case for no praise or modest appreciation"

"His son, a player in the club also helps him around the ground and as a neutral it is heartwarming watching their bond and seeing him pass on his experience as a father and mentor. Ian produces some of the finest cricket wickets in Cheshire for all of our senior teams, 170 juniors and girls/women cricket also."

"Over the past few years he has produced wickets for Cheshire CC, all again in his own. It is time for Ian to be recognised (like every nominee) for the sometimes, forgotten heroes of cricket clubs. Ian is the perfect candidate for this award and recognition and I speak on behalf of all at Alvanley CC."

© Cricket World 2022