The Southern Vipers women’s team, based at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton, will be bringing their squad to the Island on May 1 to play a warm up match in preparation for the ECB’s Rachael Hayhoe Flint Trophy, writes Jon Moreno if the Isle of Wight County Press.
The Vipers, who won the 50-over competition last year, will play a match by splitting their 22-woman squad, which comprises top players from Hampshire, Sussex and the surrounding minor counties.
“It will inspire the women’s and girls’ game on the Island for sure,” said Hugh Griffiths, of the IWCB.
“We don’t know what the guidelines are for spectators yet, but in an ideal world, there will be lots of girls and their parents there watching.”
On June 18, Newclose will also host a T20 seconds match between Hampshire and Middlesex — a regional group tie in the ECB First Class Counties Second XI T20 Trophy.
“The will predominantly feature pro cricketers. It will be a proper, competitive fixture,” Hugh added.
The MCC plan to make their annual tour of the Island, with matches against an IW Select XI at Ryde Cricket Club on June 28, against Ryde School on June 29, and versus and IW U17 side at Newclose on June 30.