Bill Gordon of the The Oval has been awarded the groundsman of the year honour for both the four-day and one-day category with Mick Hunt of Lord’s awarded the runner-up in the four-day and Andy Fogarty from Headingley the runner-up in the one-day.

Commendations went to Philip Frost (Taunton), Mike Grantham (Canterbury), Peter Marron (Old Trafford) and Andy Fogarty (Headingley Carnegie) in the four-day pitch category, while Len Smith (Sophia Gardens), Peter Marron (Old Trafford), Mick Hunt (Lord’s), Steve Birks (Trent Bridge) and Kenny Nisbet (The Grange) were commended in the one-day category.

John Moden at Fenners is the winner for the UCCEs pitches with Craig Thompson at Durham Racecourse as the runner-up. Micky Stewart at Scarborough was awarded the outgrounds prize with Matt Pullen at Whitgift School earning the runner-up wward. Andy Peirson at Beckenham received a commendation in the outgrounds category.

Alan Fordham, head of operations for the ECB, said: ”Umpires marks have indicated a good overall standard of pitches in four-day cricket and particularly in one-day cricket in 2006. We are delighted to announce these awards which recognise head groundsmen who have prepared the best pitches this season.

“Special congratulations go to Bill Gordon at The Oval who continues to lead the way in pitch preparation in both formats of the game.”