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Steve Rayner, Pete Wellman and Keith Harris proudly welcome the return of county cricket to May's Bounty

MAY'S BOUNTY is gearing up to play host to one of the biggest sporting events of Basingstoke's summer - the return of Hampshire county cricket to the town for the first time in eight years.

Four days of top-flight County Championship action between Hampshire and Durham will take place at the ground from Wednesday, August 27, until Saturday, August 30.

Hampshire's forthcoming return is a victory for The Gazette's Back to the Bounty campaign and, with the increased usage of Hampshire's Rose Bowl ground in Southampton for rock concerts, it is hoped the August game will be the first of what could become at least one annual visit by Hampshire to Basingstoke.

Cricket chiefs at Hampshire and May's Bounty will be hoping for a strong show of corporate and fan support for the August match as this will demonstrate the potential for the sustainability of Hampshire visits in the future.

Steve Rayner, chairman of Basingstoke Sports and Social Club - which embraces Basingstoke and North Hants Cricket Club - is urging everyone in Basingstoke and north Hampshire to ensure the game is a resounding success.

Rayner said: "I am certain the fans will pour in when the game is on, as I know many from this area do not often make the trip to the Rose Bowl.

"The last time Hampshire were here, which was also against Durham, we had a crowd of 3,000. I would expect the same again."

Both Durham and Hampshire are still in with a shout of honours in the County Championship.

The North East side include former England pacemen Steve Harmison and Liam Plunkett in their ranks, along with England hopeful Graham Onions.

While the fans are expected to flock to the match, it is also hoped that the business community embraces the corporate hospitality opportunities offered by top-class sport coming to Basingstoke.

Being able to entertain clients at matches at May's Bounty has been a hit with companies in the past and it is hoped that this money-spinning success story will be repeated.

Rayner said: "This is the chance for us to make sure county cricket stays in the town, and that Hampshire do not look elsewhere to stage games.

"After all our hard work to beat Bournemouth as the chosen venue, it would be a great shame for the county to make a loss from their trip to May's Bounty.

"We have to make sure that does not happen. I urge businesses in the town to get involved in what will be four great days of sport and, for sure, the high-spot of the summer."

There are plenty of ways for businesses to get involved, including sponsoring the whole match which will give the sponsor four advertising boards and its logo on the programme and scorecard at a cost of £15,000.

There are two days left on the match ball sponsorship, while ground advertising boards cost £1,000. Match-day hospitality is priced at £150-a-head for a table of eight, 10 or 12.

There are also two marquees available for hire for companies hoping to entertain larger numbers of clients.

Rayner said: "I am sure that local television will be interested in the return of Hampshire and we have also been told by Hampshire to make the press tent bigger because of the interest of the national press in the game.

"So advertising at the ground is going to get a lot of exposure.

"I am also happy to keep the boards up for the whole season. With 800 members at the club and lots of cricket played at May's Bounty that will add to the numbers who will see the boards."

Rayner summed up: "We have to make this event a success after fighting so hard to get it back. If we lose it again, I believe it will be lost forever."

Any companies interested in taking up the many sponsorship opportunities available for the match can contact the club for more information on 01256 331646 or 01256 473646.

11:20am Thursday 26th June 2008

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