The Warriors Grounds Team last night won the IOG Professional Rugby Union Grounds Team of the Year Award at stadiummk in Milton Keynes.
Warriors’ two-man Grounds Team of Martin Knight and Stuart Lambert, who were finalists for the prize last year, saw-off competition from Premiership side Harlequins to win this year’s award.
The Institute of Groundsmanship Industry Awards recognise the quality of sports facilities and are held in partnership with the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association.
In addition to the Warriors stadium and training pitches, there are six senior and 13 junior pitches of varying size plus an indoor third-generation synthetic surface training area – a total of 50 acres which the duo have to maintain.
Warriors Head of Operations Brian Ryan said: “I’d like to congratulate Martin and Stuart for this very prestigious award and they fully deserve the recognition.
“It has been a major achievement to be nominated as finalists two years in a row, and fully demonstrates their commitment and expertise in delivering first-class surfaces.
“The stadium pitch in particular has developed into one of the best rugby surfaces in the country and I know they will put all of their efforts in keeping this in such good condition for years to come.”
Knight added: “We’re delighted to pick up this award in recognition of our work.
“With the club looking to build across all areas, we recognise our role in providing a top-class surface for our team to play on week in week out.”