The great efforts of Gerald Price and Phil Stoyanoff were acknowledged last week in Hamilton at the 2013 National Sports Turf Industry Awards Dinner.
Together they have amassed 60 years of turf management experience in New Zealand and have made an outstanding contribution to cricket and the entire national sports industry.
Gerald Price, who managers the Queen Elizabeth II Park in Christchurch, is responsible for over 55 hectares of mown turf and amenity areas. Gerald became the first Cricket Curator at the Queen Elizabeth II Park in 1998 when it was listed as a First Class cricket venue for the first time. The venue, which is a community sports hub, has hosted four domestic cricket finals as well as hosting international cricket teams staying in Christchurch.
Phil Stroyanoff has managed McLean Park in Napier since 1998. His 28 years of preparation pitches has allowed him to continuously prepare one of New Zealand’s premier pitches. Playing age group cricket for New Zealand Under 23’s and First Class Cricket for Wellington has undoubtedly contributed to his ability to produce great cricketing grounds. McLean Park is the Central Stags home ground, and has been host to many international matches over the years.
Both Price and Stroyanoff have seen more than just cricket enjoyed at their respective grounds, with concerts, football and athletics being just a few of the other various events that the pair have catered for.
NZC General Manager of Grounds and Facilities Ian McKendry said “New Zealand Cricket are privileged to have benefitted from the exceptional work that Gerald and Phil have done over the years in turf management.”
Their dedication is second to none, as shown by the world class facilities they continually provide.”
Together they have not only seen the advancement of cricket, but sport as a whole in New Zealand.”
