The AMP Oval named best pitch in 2003

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have today recognised the work of Surrey CCC in producing the best cricket pitches in the country this year.

Surrey CCC groundsman, Bill Gordon, who recently took over from Paul Brind, has won the ECB Groundsman of The Year Award for both the 4-day and 1-day pitch categories.

The Award was judged by the ECB's Pitches Advisory Group, Chaired by Mike Denness. This is the second year in succession that the AMP Oval has been recognised by the Pitches Advisory Group, last year sharing the prize with neighbours, Kent.

The presentations to commemorate these achievements will be made to Bill Gordon at the ECB Groundsmen's meeting in Spring 2004. The awards carry total prize-money totalling £2,600.

Paul Sheldon, Surrey CCC Chief Executive, said: "I am delighted that the hard work and dedication of Bill Gordon and his team has been recognised this year. Traditionally, Surrey CCC have enjoyed success in the Groundsman of the Year Award, and it reflects the continued high standards we have for pitches at the Club."

Alan Fordham, ECB Cricket Operations Manager said: "As well as a thrilling and memorable npower Test match against South Africa, the AMP Oval played host to many entertaining one-day and four matches in 2003 thanks, in part, to superb pitches."

Mike Hunt, Head Groundsman at Lord's Cricket Ground was runner-up in the four day category and Philip Frost at Somerset CCC has also been recognised for The County Ground, Taunton, finishing runner-up in the one day category.

Other awards are made to Bob McInroy at Cheltenham College Ground who finished first in the outground category, with Andy Atkinson at Shenley Park runner-up.

In the UCCE category, Durham's Craig Thompson came out on top with Chris Cay at Leeds/Bradford finishing second.