CHAIRMAN Sean Walbridge expressed his delight after Dorset had secured a match against high-profile opposition to start their tenure at Bashley.

The Minor Counties Championship outfit will entertain neighbours Hampshire in a T20 friendly at the BCG on Thursday, May 19 (5.30pm start).

Dorset will stage fixtures this year at Bashley, North Perrott in Somerset and Chapel Gate in Bournemouth after leaving Dean Park last season.

Bashley’s picturesque headquarters will host Hampshire as the county begins preparations for their NatWest T20 Blast campaign which gets under way at Middlesex on May 27.

Walbridge, who has replaced Bill Kempton as chairman, told the Daily Echo: “We played Hampshire in a T20 warm-up game at Dean Park last year and have built up the link from there.

“We have had several fixtures with them cancelled due to inclement weather so are delighted to have kept the fixture.

“They are happy to keep us as a warm-up game and long may it continue because, hopefully, it can suit both parties.

“Hampshire brought their full T20 squad to Dean Park last season so there should be plenty of big-name players on view for the crowd to see.

“It will be a great opportunity for our guys to pit themselves against these players so we are really excited about it.”