AN EAST Riding football club's pitch has been voted one of the worst in the country, but the team is still celebrating.
The field, used by Hedon Rangers Colts, has been named runner-up in a national competition to find the worst amateur pitch in the country.
Despite the dubious accolade, the team has been given a new kit and £500 for club funds.
In winter, the pitch is plagued by waterlogging and drainage but becomes rock hard when the weather improves.
This has resulted in endless fixtures being postponed throughout the season.
The team's home was entered into the Pitch To Win competition by coach Gary Whitehead.
He said: "We were flabbergasted when we heard we were runners-up. This is a national competition, so we didn't hold out much hope of getting anywhere.
"So we are delighted to receive the new kit and money.
"We are just in the process of ordering the kit, but it's difficult sizing up a bunch of stroppy teenagers."
The competition was run by engine makers Briggs & Stratton and Hedon Rangers just missed out on the top prize of receiving a £3,000 pitch makeover.
Ian Small, UK sales and marketing manager, said: "The competition was extremely tough, but the judges felt that Hedon Rangers was a particularly deserving team.
"When we first looked at all the entries, it instantly stood out as a strong contender.
"I hope the prize money helps Hedon Rangers be victorious in the future."
Hedon Rangers Colts currently has four teams for children under 15 and runs academy skills training in the summer for children aged five to seven. However, it once had eight teams, but the poor pitch conditions resulted in the amount of teams being cut.
The Pitch To Win competition was judged by a panel of experts from the turf and football industries.
The entrants were scored on the pitch quality, the likely impact the pitch has had on the team and the passion shown in the application.
All of the shortlisted teams expressed how fixtures had to be rearranged and games forfeited due to their poor pitch condition.
Mr Whitehead is delighted competitions such as Pitch To Win are supporting amateur football.
He said: "It's unusual these days for people and companies to support grassroots football.
"So this competition has been great news.
"So much time, effort and money goes into running these clubs."
The state of the pitch hasn't affected Hedon Rangers Colts' performances.
This season just gone, the players celebrated after clinching promotion to the Drypool League, ending with a 9-2 win over Bridlington Rangers Rhinos.
