Rocks Review: The straightness of his lines are a joy to behold

THE Rocks' volunteer team of groundsmen have won FA's Groundsman of the Year award for the entire Ryman League - beating the 65 other teams who play in the league's three divisions.
The Rocks groundsmen have won recognition for their efforts Picture by Kate Shemilt C131189-1The Rocks groundsmen have won recognition for their efforts Picture by Kate Shemilt C131189-1
The Rocks groundsmen have won recognition for their efforts Picture by Kate Shemilt C131189-1

The quality of playing surfaces is marked by each match referee at every game during the season. The maximum score is four and the Rocks were delighted that every referee gave them the maximum score.

Each league nominate three clubs to be visited and reviewed by the FA. The Rocks and two other Ryman League clubs were nominated. The visit looks at how the club maintain the pitch, the enthusiasm and knowledge of the groundstaff and the overall quality they achieve.

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The Rocks’ team came third in the whole country for clubs at steps three and four. This encompasses all 198 clubs in the nine divisions of the Ryman League, the Evostik Northern Premier League and the Calor Southern League.

Rocks secretary Simon Cook said: “Our groundsmen are volunteers and put in incredible amounts of time. The pitch is normally cut at least three times a week at this time of the year.

“Doug Glossop lines the pitch, which generally takes at least three hours and has to be done before every game. The straightness of his lines are a joy to behold. Many clubs, even at this level, have professional groundsmen.”