Hampshire Cricket Chairman Rob Bransgrove is “exited and delighted” that the Isle of Wight will be hosting the county’s third Championship home fixture of the 2019 season against Nottinghamshire at Newclose, beginning on Monday 20th May.
The match, which marks the first first-class fixture to be played on the Isle of Wight since 1962, is to be played away from the Ageas Bowl due to next summer’s ICC Cricket World Cup.
Mr Bransgrove (left) said: “Due to the exclusivity period around its ICC World Cup Tournament commitments next season, Hampshire Cricket is required to play a home fixture away from the Ageas Bowl and we are very excited to be staging a debut First Class fixture at Newclose Cricket Ground on the Isle of Wight.
“Having played Second XI matches there in recent years, we know that Newclose is a fantastic facility, with a good wicket and plenty of space for members and supporters.
“The Club is working with a range of travel partners to ensure that as many of our mainland-based fans as possible will be able to join us for what should be a fantastic fixture.
“The 4-day match against Nottinghamshire, on 20th-23rd May, is a fitting reward for the hard work of everyone concerned at Newclose and, in particular, the determination and commitment of the late Brian Gardener who would be absolutely thrilled at this outcome.”
IWCB chairman Phil Mew said: “We think it's fantastic for the Isle of Wight and the whole Island community, to be able to bring top class cricket here for the first time for many years.
"The Board will be throwing its entire weight behind it to make sure it is a great success. Another benefit too is that it will also attract more people to the Island."
The match, which marks the first first-class fixture to be played on the Isle of Wight since 1962, is to be played away from the Ageas Bowl due to next summer’s ICC Cricket World Cup.
Mr Bransgrove (left) said: “Due to the exclusivity period around its ICC World Cup Tournament commitments next season, Hampshire Cricket is required to play a home fixture away from the Ageas Bowl and we are very excited to be staging a debut First Class fixture at Newclose Cricket Ground on the Isle of Wight.
“Having played Second XI matches there in recent years, we know that Newclose is a fantastic facility, with a good wicket and plenty of space for members and supporters.
“The Club is working with a range of travel partners to ensure that as many of our mainland-based fans as possible will be able to join us for what should be a fantastic fixture.
“The 4-day match against Nottinghamshire, on 20th-23rd May, is a fitting reward for the hard work of everyone concerned at Newclose and, in particular, the determination and commitment of the late Brian Gardener who would be absolutely thrilled at this outcome.”
IWCB chairman Phil Mew said: “We think it's fantastic for the Isle of Wight and the whole Island community, to be able to bring top class cricket here for the first time for many years.
"The Board will be throwing its entire weight behind it to make sure it is a great success. Another benefit too is that it will also attract more people to the Island."
