KIDDERMINSTER Cricket Club groundsman Denis Jones, who prepared the pitch for Worcestershire's matches at Chester Road, has died, aged 63.

When the County returned to play at the Birmingham League club's headquarters in 1987, after a break of 14 years, he immediately won praise for the quality of the wicket.

He continued to maintain the high standard and won national awards for his dedicated work.

Denis, groundsman at Chester Road since 1985, played local cricket before becoming a well-respected Birmingham League and Minor Counties umpire.

Prior to Saturday's match, the players of both Kidderminster and Old Hill, together with the ump-ires, scorers and friends, paid silent tribute.

In paying his respects, Kidderminster skipper Mark Mansell extolled Denis' qualities and asked the players to play the match in his memory and in the way he thought that cricket should be played.

Born in Chaddesley Corbett in 1938, Denis is survived by his wife May and sons Stephen and Paul.

His love of cricket shone through to the end and his last words to his brother Les was to enquire about the score in the Test match.

Denis' funeral will take place at Dodderhill, Droitwich, on July 19 at noon.