Hampshire’s Royal London Cup match against Northamptonshire Steelbacks will be played at Newclose Cricket Ground on Tuesday 9th August.
This will be the first time a 1st class game has been played on the Island since May 2019.
Newclose, located between Newport and Blackwater, made its debut as a 1st Class ground in 2019 as professional cricket returned to the Isle of Wight for the first time in 57 years when Hampshire faced Nottinghamshire in the County Championship.
Hampshire’s last outing at Newclose in 2019 saw the Club cruise to a comfortable victory over Nottinghamshire, thanks to impressive performances with both the bat and ball. Kyle Abbott, Keith Barker and Fidel Edwards formed a formidable seam bowling attack for Hampshire while Ajinkya Rahane and Sam Northeast struck centuries with the bat.
2019 was the first Championship match to be staged on the Island since 1962, when Hampshire played Worcestershire in Cowes.
Hugh Griffiths, Trustee at Newclose County Cricket Ground, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Hampshire Cricket back to Newclose and the Isle of Wight after a successful County Championship match in 2019. It’s always an honour to host Hampshire and we hope the fans and players from both teams will enjoy playing here as much as they did three years ago.”
Giles White, Director of Cricket, said:
“Our Championship match at Newclose in 2019 showed that it’s a great wicket and the players really enjoyed the facility and the support they received. The feedback from fans on the ground was really positive with plenty of space for supporters so we’re pleased to be returning. I’m sure it’ll be another great occasion.”
Great news, with good weather it will be another good day. Thanks to all involved.