Martin Guptill in action during the first Pool A match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, at the ICC Cricket World Cup, held at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. Photo / Brett Phibbs
The workers who prepared Christchurch's Hagley Oval for this year's Cricket World Cup have been recognised for their outstanding work.
The team, led by head groundsman Rupert Bool, was presented with the highly-esteemed award "International Pitch of the Year" at the New Zealand Cricket awards dinner in Auckland yesterday.
Recreation
and Sports unit manager John Filsell said it was the first time the accolade had been awarded to a brand new ground and highlighted what an achievement it was for the team.
"The commitment and dedication of Rupert and the Hagley Oval turf management team over the past three years have been truly inspiring. The improvements to Hagley Oval make it unrecognisable today compared to three years ago and this is down to the countless hours of hard graft put in by Rupert and the team."
Parks unit manager Andrew Rutledge said Hagley Oval was a great legacy for the people of Christchurch.
