YOUNG Lytham cricketers have said thank-you to two men who made it possible for a whole season to be played without a match being cancelled.

Paul Ovitts, head groundsman at King Edward VII and Queen Mary School, and his assistant Tom Kitchen, prepared pitches for 108 matches during the summer. Every single match was played and completed.

Paul and Tom received a special case of drinks by way of thanks from King Edward's four Lancashire Schools' representatives.

Thomas Eastham, 15, captain of the School's colts side, appreciates what hard work goes into the preparation of quality wickets.

"I think it's significant that all our county players are batsmen" he said.

"Ben Hall, Chris Roberts, Jack Kellier and I all benefit from playing on such good pitches at Lytham. Out ground staff do a great job.

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