First class cricket returns to Dean Park

21 May 2010

For the first time in years, Dean Park cricket ground will play host to first class cricket in the weeks ahead.

On Tuesday 1 June, Dean Park becomes the scene of a long-awaited clash between Dorset County Cricket Club (DCCC) and neighbouring Hampshire in a special Twenty20 match (5.00 pm start).

The contest marks the first time Hampshire has appeared at Dean Park for 12 years and promises to feature many of the visiting side’s first XI as Hampshire prepare for the start of the Friends Provident Twenty20 competition two days later.

Hampshire has never reached the Twenty20 finals day but with this year’s event scheduled for the Rose Bowl in Southampton their impressive squad will be looking to progress this season.

Dorset will also face Somerset in a Twenty20 warm-up at Sherborne School on Sunday, 30 May. Somerset reached finals day of the Twenty20 competition last season and with the a host of international players to select from the county should field a very competitive side.

Leg spinner, Dorset player and former BU student Max Waller, back from the England Performance training camps in South Africa over the winter, could feature in the starting XI for Somerset.

Both matches promise a ‘party’ atmosphere with families encouraged to attend with their picnics, blankets and folding chairs to make the most of this special occasion.

Tickets for the Dorset vs Hampshire and Dorset vs Somerset Twenty20 matches are £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s and OAPs. Family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) are £20. DCC members can enter free on production of their membership cards.

Dorset vs Hampshire tickets are available from the sportBU reception area on the University's Talbot Campus.