Lancashire ready for the battle of Trafalgar
SOUTHPORT and Birkdale chairman, Tony Elwood, is hoping that nine months of hard work by the club’s volunteers will pay off when Lancashire host Worcestershire in next week’s Specsavers County Championship match at Trafalgar Road.
The four-day game begins on Wednesday at 11am and all S&B officials have their fingers crossed for good weather in order that the ground can be seen at its very best.
“We are delighted to be welcoming Worcestershire and their supporters to S&B next week, along with the Lancashire faithful,” said Elwood.
“But this is the latest that county cricket has ever been staged here, with play scheduled to run until September 1, so we hope the weather will be kind.”
“The date does mean we have had longer than usual to prepare for this game, but let no one who aspires to host Championship Cricket be in any doubt that it is very hard work and I am extremely grateful to the team of dedicated volunteers without whose assistance the match just would not happen.
“We are also grateful that we have an excellent working relationship with the Events & Projects Team at Emirates Old Trafford, as well as the county’s groundstaff, and we know we can rely on them both for support.”
In 1959 Worcestershire were the first visitors to Trafalgar Road for a County Championship match and they have played on the ground three times since that great occasion.
The Pears have drawn three of their four games but lost in 1979 when David Lloyd scored a century in each innings.
However, arguably none of the previous matches carried quite the same importance as next week’s match which involves two of the counties who are currently trying to avoid relegation from the First Division. This factor, however, is not likely to diminish the good sprits of the Worcestershire players or their fine band of supporters, many of whom have been at Scarborough this week to watch their team take on Yorkshire. The away supporters were an adornment to North Marine Road and it is almost certain they will have the same effect when they are welcomed to Trafalgar Road for one of the highlights of our town’s year. And S&B has certainly does its best to ensure its facilities are up to the challenge of hosting first-class cricket.
“The Club has spent money on a number of improvements this year, extending the changing rooms and completely upgrading and re-fitting the Jack Walker Lounge at the rear of the Club,” said Elwood.
“We look forward to a great four days and, I hope, the continuing support of cricket fans wherever they may come from.
There are still some hospitality places available in the marquee on Wednesday and Thursday, price £60 and £80 respectively. But you do need to book in advance, so get in touch now for a great day out.
Please contact nigelknight112@ btinternet.com or call the Club on 01704-569951.