At the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, a remarkable milestone has been reached with the appointment of their first female groundskeeper, Meg Lay, who hails from New Zealand. This significant moment marks a historic achievement in the 210-year history of Lord’s, known as the “Home of Cricket.”
Meg Lay, 27, who has a background in playing age group cricket for Canterbury and working in agriculture, embarked on her journey in the cricket world somewhat unexpectedly. After moving to England without a job and living with two professional cricketers, she seized the opportunity to help out the struggling ground staff at Gloucestershire Cricket Club, setting her on a path that would lead to Lord’s.
Lay’s dedication and passion for her work have already made her a notable figure in the cricket community. She has been part of the first all-female team to prepare Edgbaston Cricket Ground for an international match and was the first woman to be awarded “newcomer of the year” in the turf industry.
For Lay, the joy of her job comes from the simple pleasure of cutting grass and ensuring the playing surfaces are in top condition, allowing her to contribute to the sport she loves while witnessing some of the world’s best athletes in action. Now, at Lord’s, she continues her journey, embracing the challenge of maintaining one of the most prestigious cricket grounds in the world to its esteemed standards.
