Head groundsman happy with new role

Head groundsman at the National Sports Council William “Bill” Edwards is happy with his new role and wants to leave a mark after his tenure is complete.{{more}}

Late last year, Edwards took charge of a position which for 43 years was in the hands of either Kenneth “Shorty” Husbands or Patrick “Tall Boy “John.

The duo, with assistance from personnel from Barbados, were part of the initial team which oversaw the staging of the maiden first class cricket match on April 14, 15 and 16 in 1972, when the Windwards faced the touring New Zealand team.

The long-standing partnership ended when Husbands retired in 2004, while John’s tenure finished in 2015.

The departure of John has left the job is in the hands of William “Bill” Edwards, who assumed the role of head grounds-man late last year.

Therefore, when the West Indies Cricket Board Professional Cricket League match between the Windwards Volcanoes and the Jamaica Scorpions took place at the Arnos Vale One Playing Field March 11-14, 2016, it was the first time in the venue’s 44-year history that the neither Husbands nor John was part of pitch preparations for a first class cricket match.

Reflecting on his debut match, Edwards told SEARCHLIGHT that he was happy on being able to use what he has learnt over the years, and prepare a “good pitch”.

The Arnos Vale pitch got good reviews from the Jamaica coaching staff and players, as well as those from the Windwards team.

Having been tutored by Lloyd Lewis, from whom he got his initial on-the-job training at the Sion Hill Playing Field, Edwards attended a course in Guyana in 2011.

He also credits the in-service training gained from his predecessors over the years as an employee of the National Sports Council.

Edwards revealed that he regularly seeks out information on the Internet and relies on other persons in the region, including St Lucian Alton Crafton.

“Most of all though, I am enjoying what I am doing… I want to learn as much as I can and pass my knowledge to others,” Edwards stated.

Locally, since assuming the elevated position, Edwards has come in for praise from local cricketers, who have acknowledged that the pitches at the various venues are cricket friendly.

On that point, Edwards said it was a matter of preparation, as more is being put in for the weekend matches, with work beginning at a date earlier than what previously existed.

Edwards is looking forward to his next big task, as St Vincent and the Grenadines is set to host the month-long West Indies Under-19 cricket tournament, in July and August.

And, climbing the ladder, Edwards’ wishes are for some international matches.

The Arnos Vale Playing Field got its first One Day International on February 4, 1981, with the West Indies taking on England and its first test match between the West Indies and Sri Lanka, June 20-24, 1997.

Thus far, 23 ODIs have been contested at Arnos Vale and three test matches.

Back-to-back Twenty/ 20 Internationals, June 27 and 28, 2013, add to the international fixtures at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

These go with numerous regional first class matches, warm-up matches, involving touring teams and several international women’s fixtures.(RT)