Our aims and objectives

The aim of the Somerset Cricket Grounds Support Team (SCGST) is all about supporting recreational cricket from the grassroots up and is part of the Somerset Cricket Ground’s Association (SGA).

The SCGCT is made up of 4 Pitch Advisors based across the county who are here to support clubs directly by being able to provide local advice and support to a range of queries. They will work closely with the Grounds Management Association (GMA) Regional Pitch Advisor in the South West to provide additional technical support where required and hope this will enable the group to help sustain growth in participation across Somerset.

The GMA in partnership with the ECB through the Pitch Advisory Service (PAS) are focused on raising standards, raising awareness and improving education within grounds maintenance across several major sports. The Introduction of the SCGCT is an exciting opportunity for cricket in Somerset to make positive steps forward to achieve these targets of Grass Pitch Improvement Programme and the Somerset Strategy.

Meet the team

• Phil Mortimer – Having assisted as a volunteer for many years, Phil qualified with IOG Level 3 in cricket when he retired from teaching before working for a contractor looking after Lansdown CC and several others for 12 years before 3 years at 2 other clubs as their employee. Now ‘retired’ he subsequently continues as Head Groundsman at Midsomer Norton CC as well as helping / advising at a couple of other local grounds. He has 12 years’ experience as an Operator with the Wiltshire and Somerset CGAs undertaking renovations and Aeration with dozens of clubs from village level to WEPL 1.
• Mark Joliffe- Current Head groundsman at Taunton School so has many years of professional experience of pitch preparation across multiple sports and multiple sites. Mark also volunteers at North Curry CC and was instrumental in the installation of the square at their White Street home when it was built. This is his 3rd year as a county pitch advisor.
• Alex Woodward- is the current Head of Grounds at Bath CC with the responsibility for maintaining both their two sites at North Parade and Brownsword. Alex is our newest pitch advisor and is very passionate about helping club improve their Grass Facilities.

Booking a service

To book any a pitch advisor visit click here to complete a pre visit form our online form and return it to Matt Counsell. Visits costs £150 to cover the Pitch Advisor time and for the full Pitch Power Report which is provided post visit.