In November 2014 Briggs & Stratton and the IOG set off on a mission to find the amateur sports teams whose pitches were most in need of help.

The Pitch to Win competition closed at the end of March and the shortlisted teams have now been announced.The competition was open to under 18s amateur teams from football, rugby league and cricket. Three winners from each category were chosen to win £3,000, £500 and £250 respectively

The shortlisted teams are Clifford Juniors AFC, Gilmorton Juniors FC, Haunchwood Sports FC, Bury Broncos RLFC, Thatto Heath Crusaders ARLFC, Westhoughton Lions RL, Eight Ash Green Cricket Club, Normanby Park Cricket Club and Salesbury Cricket Club.

Ian Small, sales and marketing manager for Briggs & Stratton, commented, "Judging was not easy - the level of entries was staggering and the standard of some of the pitches really was alarming. It's great to be able to help out teams at a grassroots level and I can't wait to see how the pitch makeovers help to transform the clubs".

The winners from each sport will be announced in due course and work will commence over the closed seasons on each of their pitch makeovers. The teams will also win pitchside sponsorship from Briggs & Stratton, as well as a brand new kit.

As an extra bonus, towards the end of the year, the pitch deemed to be the most in need will receive a further £1,000 to help with winter maintenance.