Towns celebrate county cricket return (From Dorset Echo)

Towns celebrate county cricket return

8:20am Saturday 7th November 2009 in

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CRICKET fans in Dorchester and Weymouth are set to have the highest level of cricket played in the county on their doorstep next year.

Dorset Minor Counties side will play a one-day match in each town next May, following the success of playing two in Sherborne this summer.

Bedfordshire will visit The Rec, Dorchester, on Sunday, May 2, with Oxfordshire visiting Weymouth’s Redlands ground on Sunday, May 23.

“Bringing Minor Counties cricket back to this part of the county is fantastic news and it’s a shame it has taken so long,” said Dorset manager Sean Walbridge. “We’re pleased we are able to bring these two one-day matches to Dorchester and Weymouth as both clubs have been pushing for this return.

“We feel it’s been far too long that we’ve been seen to base ourselves in the east of the county, but it’s correct in a way because Dean Park is a tremendous ground and has fantastic facilities.

“With the great support we get when we play here historically, it’s good for us to get out to raise the support with local cricketers at this end of the county.

“It’s also good for our sponsors, the Hearn Group, which is based in Dorchester.

“Dorchester and Weymouth are very keen to get the fixtures and the aim is to create a festival type atmosphere and encourage families to come down and support, with local youngsters getting involved on the day in terms of things like kwik cricket during the lunch break.

“We have received tremendous support from both Dorchester and Weymouth cricket clubs along with Dorchester Town Council, Weymouth College and Redlands Sports Centre, who have given us superb backing and are right behind us.

“Dorchester and Weymouth are going all out to make it a real event.”

Robin Potter, Dorchester town councillor and vice-chair of their management committee, said: “I’m really excited about the prospect of county cricket returning, I remember watching county games with lots of people a few years ago and I cant wait to see it again.”

Dorchester CC spokesman Peter Tucker said: “We are delighted that Dorset CCC will be returning to the county town. Dorchester CC has worked hard over a number of years to raise the standard of facilities at the Recreation Ground.

“Traditionally Dorset CCC has been well supported for games here and we expect the same to happen again. It’s our aim to make Dorset CCC very welcome and ensure that every effort is made to ensure the ground and facilities are in tip top shape for their arrival.”

John Cake, president of Weymouth CC, added: “I’m over the moon that county cricket is returning to Weymouth.

“This is mainly thanks to the hard work put in by the groundstaff at Redlands over the last 12 months.

“We are delighted as this highlights the good working relationship between Weymouth CC, Redlands Sports Centre and Weymouth College.”