HEWORTH ARLC officially have one of the best playing surfaces throughout rugby league, thanks to Rod Skelton.

Skelton was named Groundsman of the Year at the awards ceremony held as part of the Super League Grand Final celebrations.

Heworth's pitch had already been recognised with the Elmpark Way having been asked to stage several representative games in recent times as well as the Yorkshire Men’s League Forty20 Cup final. At the presentation, the Rugby Football League said players described it as “like playing on carpet”.

Heworth spokesman Ken Sykes added of Skelton: "He is totally dedicated putting in 30-plus hours every week at the club on the ground or on maintenance tasks."