Dorchester Cricket Club chairman Tony Foot is hoping to defy the weather forecast and host Dorset’s first match in the county town for 14 years tomorrow (11am).
Bedfordshire are due to visit the Rec in a one-day MCCA Trophy match but the coldest and wettest day for a month could put paid to that.
However, Foot and Dorchester skipper Martyn Richards are hopeful that the work put in by groundsman Phil Griffin, Dorchester Town Council and the cricket club will not go to waste.
“The weather is not looking very clever, which is a shame because we have been putting a lot of effort into it and the ground and wicket looks as good as ever,” said Foot. “It would be a shame if it gets rained off because we have tried really hard to get the county team back this side of Dorset.
“It will be a good day because the cricket is always very well supported in Dorchester. Dorset get more supporters here than any other ground in the county.
“The quality of the wicket and the facilities have not been good enough to attract it but we have worked hard on that and we have had that recognised.
“Hopefully the Dorset players will enjoy the wicket and we will enjoy a lot more games in Dorchester in the future.
“It should be a good game because Dorset have a good team this year and have every chance of winning the match.”
Captain Richards, who will miss his team’s first match of the season through suspension today, is also looking forward to the return of Dorset cricket at his home ground.
He said: “It’s a big thing for Dorchester to host a Minor Counties game and I have fond memories of my youth when the county used to come and play at the Rec.
“With a marquee up and lots of people coming along it was always a great occasion and it would be great if we could get that going annually to give people in the town something to look forward to.
“We hope Dorset will play a regular fixture here. Dean Park is a lovely place to play but we would like to think there is enough interest and enthusiasm in the west of the county for them to come here more often.”
The club would like to thank the town council and especially groundsman Griffin for the extra time and effort he has put in over the last few weeks to prepare the wicket for Sunday’s one-day clash.
A barbecue, teas, coffees and soft drinks will also be provided, while there will be parking available on the ground and in Sam Mills Lane.
Admission is free of charge.
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