Bexley Oval has been awarded the prestigious Ground of the Year Award in the Sydney Shires Cricket Competition.
In a Mayoral Minute at last night's Bayside Council meeting, mayor Joe Awada said the award was largely due to the efforts of the council's groundsman Trent Malley.
The Ground of the Year award is made to acknowledge the important contribution of ground staff to the success of the Shires competition.
Officiating umpires assess every ground on every match day during the season to which they have been appointed.
Bexley Oval's Groundsmen Trent Malley was able to attain an average mark of 8.54 throughout the season.
"Council congratulates Trent Malley for his outstanding achievement in the care and maintenance of Bexley Oval, as demonstrated by receipt of the Ground of the Year Award in the Sydney Shires Cricket Competition," Cr Awada said.
"It always gives me particular pleasure to acknowledge the achievements of our staff members," he said.
"Today I am pleased to advise that Bexley Oval has once again been awarded the prestigious Ground of the Year Award in the Sydney Shires Cricket Competition, which is largely due to the outstanding skills and efforts of Trent Malley, a Senior Operations Technician with Council.
"Bexley Oval is a much loved and utilised community asset, enjoyed by schools and community groups alike.
"The high quality of the pitch and playing surface is a credit to Trent Malley who is responsible for its upkeep.
"Cricket pitches require a high level of skill and time to ensure they are kept at a premium standard and Trent employs both his well-developed skills, and dedication to his work, to ensure this pitch is maintained at this very high level.
"It is evident that Trent Malley's dedication to his work has been consistent over many years.
"Bexley Oval received this award previously in 2014 and Trent has received many other accolades since beginning his apprenticeship with Council in 1996.
"These include a 'Pride in Workmanship' Award from the Rotary Club of Rockdale and the Georges River District Cricket Club has also expressed their ongoing appreciation for Trent's work," Cr Awada said.
"The award is testament to the Council's commitment to providing high quality community and sporting facilities. Congratulations to Trent Malley for consistent and outstanding efforts for our community," he said.
