County game venue moved

May 17 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

CHESHIRE’S final MCCA Knockout Trophy group match against Cumberland on Sunday, June 1 has been switched from Bramhall Cricket Club to Marple.

Drainage problems at Bramhall has meant that a change of ground is necessary to give a greater chance of the match being played.

A drainage contractor was brought in to try and alleviate the problems, but despite his best efforts and those of the Bramhall club, an earlier decision had to be made.

The drainage expert advised that there is little chance of being able to free the blockages in the main ground drains in time to guarantee a safe outfield for the match irrespective of the weather over the next two weeks.

Bramhall are particularly disappointed since the lower part of the outfield and the square are dry and hard.

Cheshire know that victory over Cumberland would guarantee them qualification to the quarter-final stages of this year’s competition, therefore adding extra importance to the match being played.

David Bailey, Cheshire County CC committee chairman, said: “We are very grateful to Marple for their quick decision and show of support by their enthusiastic invitation to host the match at such short notice.”

Cheshire will announce a squad at the start of the week leading up to the match.