A CRICKET club which did not have the best of seasons on the pitch in 2023 has been awarded for the quality of its ground.

Amport Cricket Club were awarded the prestigious title of Hampshire Cricket League Ground of the Year 2023.

The accolade is given to the ground that achieves the highest marks for the quality of the wicket and outfield over the season. It is scored by opposition teams over the course of the season.

READ MORE: Former Andover student defies odds to shine in England disability cricket team

Andover Advertiser: Martyn Startup and Richard Belbin with the awardThe award is just recognition of the many unpaid hours put into the preparation of the wicket and the outfield every week by two individuals - head groundsman and club chairman, Martyn Startup, and his ‘ever-willing partner in crime’ Richard Belbin.

Former club secretary, Martin Randall, who has been involved in the club for 20 years, said: “Both devote more time than any sane individual should ensuring every Saturday 22 cricketers can play in the best surroundings possible.

“What makes this achievement more remarkable is that the main pitch roller is rumoured to be older than a very old thing and more temperamental than a very temperamental thing.”

SEE ALSO: Stockbridge man celebrates being named Mechanic of the Year three times

The club is seeking donations and fundraising to buy a new ‘more reliable’ pitch roller.

Amport Cricket Club has also thanked the Glover family for their efforts in providing “a magnificent place to play cricket in”.

Currently Amport runs two senior sides on a Saturday, with a midweek 20-20 side starting up this year and an U15 colts team.

Martin said: “The club always extend a warm and friendly welcome to new members young and old of all abilities.”

If you want to experience the Hampshire Cricket League Ground of the Year, visit the club's website amportcc.play-cricket.com/home for more details of the cricket offered and for details of net timings.