Andy Carmichael Freelance writer
LOOKING GOOD AT WHELDON ROAD Castleford Tigers’ head groundsperson Stuart Vause has an enviable record in the GMA Industry Awards over the past six years – being a finalist in the rugby league category every year and winning the accolade twice
12 GROUNDS MANAGEMENT | JULY 2020
I WOULD HAVE LOVED to report that Stuart Vause, head groundsman of Castleford Tigers’ Mend-a-Hose Jungle stadium, is happy with how the pitch is coping with the onslaught of a Super League season. But sadly, in these unusual times, the closest a lot of us are getting to this vision are images on social media of beautifully manicured sports pitches desperately needing players. So, instead, I will settle for confirming that the boot room he is FaceTiming me from looks immaculate.
Stuart and his assistant, Rob Lilley, the 2019 GMA Professional Rugby Football League Grounds Team of the Year, are following Government guidance and managing to work safely at the club. There are always plenty of jobs for Stuart, not only as head grounds manager, but also as kit man and as the club’s all-round chief maintainer and fixer. His assistant Rob helps with tasks and Stuart is quick to point out that “the club has been really good” for keeping the two of
