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 GaNTIP and the Somerset Strategy.

Meet the team

• Phil Mortimer – County Pitch Advisor- 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- Bio to follow
• Dave Cobb– Dave began his career in 1998 as an apprentice Grounds Keeper covering multisport grounds. He is currently the Grounds Manager at Bath Recreation Grounds Manager which has three sites which he oversees Grounds, Facilities ,Events. One of the sites included newly developed Glasshouse cricket Ground and he also fa pitch advisor.
• Nigel Mortimer– Bio to follow.

Levels of service

• Phone, email and informal visit: Free of Charge. *If individual giving advice has to travel more than 20 miles a small contribution to petrol (£10) may be requested. Some subsequent basic written advice given.
• Formal visit including a written Basic Report (visit up to 1 & 1/2 hours, report may take as long to compile and send to Club, travelling also included).  Advisor to claim mileage from SGA Funds.) £50
• Full Somerset Pitch Inspection carried out by County Pitch Advisor. As above, but more detailed assessment and reporting. Professional soil analysis may also be required at additional cost. £100
• Pitch Quality Standards Assessment: required for major works (eg re-laying square or draining out field) carried out by Regional Pitch Advisor or County Pitch Advisor) £400

Booking a service

To book any of the Somerset Cricket Grounds Support Team either click here to complete our online form or download the following form and return it too Matthew.Counsell@somersetcricketfoundation.org.

• Pitch Visit request form