First class cricket returns to Dean Park

23 May 2011

BU's cricket ground at Dean Park will play host to first class cricket on Bank Holiday Monday. .

England’s reigning Twenty20 cricket champions, the Hampshire Royals, will make a welcome return to Bournemouth’s Dean Park on Bank Holiday Monday - 30 May, 2011 - to face the 2010 Minor County Champions from Dorset in a special T20 match.

With the likes of Dominic Cork, Dimi Mascarehnas, Shahid Afridi, Imran Tahir and Jimmy Adams in their attack, Hampshire will be preparing to defend the domestic T20 title they won at the Rose Bowl last summer.

Dorset manager Sean Walbridge says that his side will be ready for the challenge with new signings in top order batsman Tom Flowers, seamer Scott Barlow and all-rounder Dan Belt joining an already strong side.

“Its a match that I'm sure will really whet the appetite of the public and we are expecting a large crowd for that fixture,” says Walbridge. “The local rivalry between the Counties has always been keen and Hampshire are sure to bring a strong side as it's their only warm up game before the T20 competition starts.

“I know that our guys are really looking forward to the challenge of pitting themselves against the First Class sides,” adds Walbridge as Dorset will also play the Gloucestershire Gladiators on Friday, 27 May, at Sherborne School (starting at 5.00pm).

Hampshire versus Dorset will start at 2.30pm at Dean Park in Cavendish Road, Bournemouth, with hot & cold food, ice creams and a beer tent available.

Tickets at the gate are £10 for adults, £5 for OAPs, students and under 16s. Family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) can be purchased for £20. School parties and cricket clubs (2 adults with 12 children) are available for £50. Members of Dorset County Cricket Club will be admitted for free on presentation of their membership card.