Sparsholt's delightful tree-lined cricket ground in Locks Lane, named in memory of the late Norman Edwards, its curator for many years, is the Southern Premier League's recreational Ground of the Year.
It is the first time the George Winkles Memorial Trophy, initiated in 2000, has been awarded to a fourth tier SPL club.
Supervised by head groundsman Lee Padwick, Sparsholt received an overall mark of 53 (out of 60), with the Locks Lane square being marked 30.29 (out of 40) and the outfield 18.83 (20).
Delighted Sparsholt chairman Andy Worth said: "It’s great to achieve one of the club's long term aims to become the top ground in the SPL and it’s great to see both umpires and visiting captains mark it highly.
"We’ve focused a lot of our funds on the ground and equipment over the last seven years. Through the dedication of Lee Padwick and Rich Edwards [pictured] this award is testament to their efforts and passion for making Sparsholt one of the best places in the South to play club cricket."
On the field itself, Sparsholt improved considerably on their performances in the two previous years when the club suffered a spate of relegations.
They first team challenged for a Division 3 promotion spot for much of the season, eventually finishing fourth behind champions Trojans and Fawley.
It is the first time the George Winkles Memorial Trophy, initiated in 2000, has been awarded to a fourth tier SPL club.
Supervised by head groundsman Lee Padwick, Sparsholt received an overall mark of 53 (out of 60), with the Locks Lane square being marked 30.29 (out of 40) and the outfield 18.83 (20).
Delighted Sparsholt chairman Andy Worth said: "It’s great to achieve one of the club's long term aims to become the top ground in the SPL and it’s great to see both umpires and visiting captains mark it highly.
"We’ve focused a lot of our funds on the ground and equipment over the last seven years. Through the dedication of Lee Padwick and Rich Edwards [pictured] this award is testament to their efforts and passion for making Sparsholt one of the best places in the South to play club cricket."
On the field itself, Sparsholt improved considerably on their performances in the two previous years when the club suffered a spate of relegations.
They first team challenged for a Division 3 promotion spot for much of the season, eventually finishing fourth behind champions Trojans and Fawley.
Sparsholt in action at the Norman Edwards Ground : Bob Selley picture.
