Calmore Sports and Loperwood Park has been honoured once again as the Hampshire Cricket League awarded it the Julie Gibson “Most Improved Ground of the Year” at their annual presentation night at the Ageas Bowl.

This comes hot off the heels of the Southern Premier League awarding Calmore their “Paul Thompson Most Improved Ground” award a couple of weeks ago.

Club Secretary Clare Taylor was on hand to receive the shield from Scotland and Hampshire player Brad Wheal on the night – an award that was shared with Newbury-based Hampshire 2 club East Woodhay.

Chairman Pete Lavelle heaped praise on groundsman Joe Weston and his small band of helpers for the incredible turn around at Loperwood.

“This is a fantastic achievement and the reputation of Loperwood is again one of the best places to play cricket in the area.

“I would like to congratulate Joe on his double trophy win, with it coming off the back of us winning the SPCL Most Improved.

“It is always pleasing to see the time and hard work being rewarded in this way but for Joe to have secured these in just nine months is testimony to his passion and desire to make our ground the best it can be.

“We were delighted to receive the SPCL award a couple of weeks ago but to win the HCL award as well – that is brilliant and we thank Joe, along with Stu [Bailey] and Mike [Austin] very much for their efforts.”