Bob Joyce, Head Groundsman at Sarisbury Cricket Club, has been awarded the NatWest 2009 Outstanding Service to Cricket Award for his tireless work behind the scenes.  

Bob has played many important roles at the club in the last 25 years, acting as Chairman for ten years, fixture secretary, Colts coordinator, team captain and coach. He is currently the main groundsman, but it is his commitment to the club that has earned him the award.  

“He looks after the maintenance of our ground equipment, he cooks the burgers at our barbecues, he sells the meat raffle tickets... It was him who left work to secure and subsequently rebuild the clubhouse door after a break in. Bob does all of these things and more,” says Ray Hammond, Communications Manager for the Club. “It is mainly due to his endless work that our ground achieved accreditation last year, raising its standard considerably. As a consequence our 1st team was able to gain promotion to the SEPCL for the first time in the club's history. The club is eternally grateful for his contribution.”  

Bob was presented with his award by Jeff Levick, Chairman of Hampshire Cricket Board on Sunday 13th September at The Rose Bowl, and will go on to at Lords on October 5th for the National Awards Ceremony.

“I joined in 1985 as a player. Then when I finished playing I was chair for ten years. Since then I’ve done a few little jobs”, said Bob modestly. “It was quite a shock when I found out I’d won the award – I didn’t know anything about it! I’m quite looking forward to 5th now – I’ve never been to Lords before, it will be a nice day out.”

SACC have had another very successful season, with more than 250 members, including over 100 junior members all enjoying regular games throughout the summer. Last year the First X1 won the Hampshire League Championship and was promoted to the Southern Electric Premier League for the first time in the club’s history. This season they have secured their place in the SEPL again.

This year’s highlight for the club however was the Second team’s remarkable achievement of being promoted for the second time in three seasons, moving them into Hampshire County Division 2.

SACC have also recently completed the Clubmark process - an accreditation marking them as one of the most outstanding sporting organizations in the county.

They are now preparing for the winter indoor season. For more information about Sarisbury Athletic Cricket Club have a look at their  website.

Picture shows Bob (Left) receiving his award from Jeff Levick at the Rose Bowl on 13th September.