By Paul Edwards
First class cricket is BACK in Southport this Summer!
Southport and Birkdale Sports Club will host Lancashire County Cricket’s four-day Division One match against Nottinghamshire, starting on Sunday, 30th June 2024.
The decision of the Emirates Old Trafford officials is another vote of confidence in S&B’s ability to host a high-profile match and also in groundsman, Colin Maxwell, whose pitches have attracted extremely favourable comments over the last two years.
Tickets are now available via the Lancashire County Cricket website here.
Hospitality packages are available through contacting S&B on 01704 569951 or contact them through their Southport & Birkdale Sports Club Facebook page here or email: social@sandbsportsclub.co.uk or call into the club on Trafalgar Road in Birkdale.
Caroline Douglas from S&B said: “Last year was a huge success at S&B with fantastic crowds, a fabulous atmosphere, great food – and a win for Lancashire!
Lancashire v Hampshire County Cricket at Southport and Birkdale Sports Club. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“Tickets for the match this summer are doing well while we have a range of hospitality packages available.
“D’Vine Catering is putting plans in place for creating delicious meals and providing drinks for visitors across the four days. It’s going to be busy!
“Our marquee will be in place once again with hospitality packages available for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
“We can cater for individuals, groups, families, businesses and more.
“Hospitality packages sold out quickly last year.
Lancashire v Hampshire County Cricket at Southport and Birkdale Sports Club. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“If anyone would like any more information please get in touch and we’ll be happy to provide any details you require.”
In addition to hosting Lancashire County Cricket against Nottinghamshire from 30th June, Old Trafford’s ladies’ team, Thunder, will be playing at S&B on Sunday, 1st September 2024, when they take on Northern Diamonds in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.
The responsibility of hosting these important matches will make it a busy summer for S&B’s members, especially so given that the club is already committed to running the annual beer festival and marking the 150th anniversary of cricket being played on the ground.
S&B Chairman, Jordan Bell, is confident that his band of volunteers will meet the challenge.
“We will be delighted to welcome Lancashire and Thunder to Trafalgar Road in 2024,” he said. “Both these events are brilliant occasions which will bring hundreds of people to the town and many visitors to our Club.
Lancashire v Hampshire County Cricket at Southport and Birkdale Sports Club. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“Lancashire’s game against Nottinghamshire is a repeat of the match played at S&B when first class cricket returned to Southport after a 12-year absence in 2011. Nottinghamshire brought a great following on that occasion and we are excited that we will be enjoying their supporters’ company again.
“However, women’s cricket is now a huge part of both amateur and professional games and it will be a privilege to stage Thunder’s match against Northern Diamonds. The hope is that such games will inspire more girls and ladies within the area to join their local clubs.”
The history of Lancashire’s matches against Nottinghamshire at Southport stretches back beyond the memory of even the most long-serving S&B member. The Trent Bridge side were only the second visitors to the ground for a first-class match in 1960 and they have played six matches at Trafalgar Road. winning three, losing two and drawing one.
Lancashire v Hampshire County Cricket at Southport and Birkdale Sports Club. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Jordan Bell said: “One of our priorities has been to ensure our facilities are to the highest standard possible and a lot of volunteers’ time and effort go into the organisation of these events.
“I am thrilled this has been recognised and I look forward to continuing the preparations for this season.”
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