Ross Spry, Head Groundsman here at Cheltenham College, has been awarded Head Groundsman of the Year by the English and Welsh Cricket Board. The award, which has been running since 1997, was presented to the talented Groundsman at the annual Cricket Groundsmen Conference and Prize Giving dinner in Leeds. Ross won the category ‘Out Grounds Pitch’, awarded for maintenance of pitches used for County Cricket games. 

Having worked at Cheltenham College for 4 years, Ross now runs a team of five groundsmen who prepare the College grass pitches all year round. With 6 Senior School and 3 Junior School cricket pitches to maintain, as well as a County Square, this is no mean feat! 

Ross Spry commented: “We all work hard to ensure that the standards of our College grass pitches are the best possible and to be recognised for this by the English and Welsh Cricket governing body is fantastic. Last year’s Cricket Festival was especially demanding due to the amounts of summer rain we had so to receive this award means a great deal to me and my team.” 

Renowned for its quality of cricket pitches, Cheltenham College has been host to the world famous Cheltenham Cricket Festival ever since it began in 1872. The longest running Cricket Festival in the world, the event now attracts thousands of spectators and top class clubs. This award is testament to both Ross’s and his team’s skill in preparing and maintaining the iconic green pitches - not only for the Festival but also throughout the school’s summer cricket season. It is also testament to the team’s ability to nurture the school’s grounds throughout season long rugby, hockey and cricket matches! 

This is the sixth time in the Awards’ history that a Cheltenham College Groundsman has claimed the ‘Out Grounds Pitch’ trophy.