Steve Birks, Trent Bridge’s retiring Head Groundsman, earned a commendation at his final Grounds Manager of the Year Awards at Edgbaston this week.

Birks, who is retiring from his role after 28 years of service to Trent Bridge, was commended for his pitches in the multi-day category.

In the 61-year-old’s final year as Head Groundsman, Nottinghamshire went unbeaten in their seven First-Class home matches on the way to a first County Championship title in 15 years.

The Green and Golds won four and drew three, with the balance between bat and ball on Birks’ surfaces perfectly illustrated by a total of

Gary Barwell of Edgbaston won the category, with the Kia Oval’s Lee Fortis finishing as runner-up, while the One-Day Pitches Award went to Richard Robinson of Headingley.

Elsewhere, Scarborough CC’s John Dodds triumphed in the Outground Pitches award, while David Short, of Lancashire, was recognised with an Outstanding Contributor gong.

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