Sussex cricket award gives Stirlands grounds for pride

Although the Birdham club didn’t win any team awards, the batting award for division three west went to Sean Heather for scoring 882 runs at an average of 98.

The bowling award went to Struan Cameron for taking 59 wickets at an average of 11.14.

Most pleasing for the club was the accolade of being voted as the best ground in Sussex by the league umpires, beating Preston Nomads and Horsham. Andy Heather collected the groundsman of the year award.

Stirlands hope this recognition will encourage youngsters and seniors alike to go and play on the lovely Birdham ground with a wicket and outfield which deserves a better standard of cricket.

The aim in 2013 is to try to strengthen the squad and get Stirlands back into the second division.

First XI captain Sean Heather said: “The ground at Stirlands has been fantastic for many years. Andy, with the help of Stewart Mason, put a lot of time into getting the ground playing and looking like a first-class ground.

“It is just reward they have finally got the recognition of Stirlands being voted the best ground in Sussex for 2012 and I’m sure it is the first of many.”