HALTON Stadium groundsman Dave Lewis has been named the Rugby League's Groundsman of the Year' for his impeccable pitch.

Widnesian Dave was presented with the Brian Cartwright Award during half time of the Federation Shield Final between England and Tonga.

The 61-year-old looks after the turf with the help of his assistant groundsman and son, Toby, to make sure it is in tip-top condition for Vikings games as well as Everton reserves, who play their home matches in Halton.

"When we prepare the ground for a match, whether it be soccer, rugby or a high-profile international, we get the pitch into the best possible condition because we enjoy doing it and get satisfaction from knowing we have done a good job," he said.

Dave is a staunch rugby league fan and supports the Vikings as well as enjoying watching science fiction films, the occasional pint and the odd flutter on the horses.

Keith Kent, head groundsman at Twickenham, said Dave and Toby had done well to overcome the potential problems of two professional teams using the pitch and Widnes' winter weather.

"It is a hard enough job to maintain a pitch to the highest quality in any circumstances," he said. "It is credit to them that the standard is so high."

"I am sure that Brian Cartwright (former head groundsman at the RFL) himself would have been proud to award his trophy to such a worthy winner."

nlakeman@worldgroup.co.uk