The Ladycross club have regularly hosted county fixtures in the one-day format in recent years, but it’ll be the first time since the Minor Counties Championship went to three-days in 2001 that they’ll hold such a game.
Werrington have hosted two Cornwall two-day games before, in 1998 and 1999.
The first two-day fixture saw the Duchy romp to a nine-wicket win over Cheshire before hosting a thrilling draw against Berkshire a year later, which saw Cornwall slump from 159-5 chasing 176 in 50 overs to end up nine runs short with just one wicket remaining.
Chairman Richard Jenkin says that the club were delighted to be asked.
He said: “Cornwall Cricket approached us during the late autumn about whether we’d be interested in hosting it. They’ve been impressed with our facilities and the job we’ve done with the one-day games. Once they asked us, we consulted the club officers as we know it’s going to be a lot of work and everyone’s going to have to be on duty. However, everyone on the committee agreed and we’re really pleased.”
Although there’s a massive element of prestige in hosting Cornwall’s old rivals, planning has already started.
Jenkin said: “We know it’s a huge challenge to host a three-day game. However, we’ve all sat down and worked out a rota. We’ve got the ladies committee who’ll do most of the food and there’s 20 to 25 different people who’ll do their share over the course of the three days although our groundsman Bod (Keith Moore) will have a lot of work to do although the wicket is good enough. The wickets have improved a lot over the years and he feels it’ll stand up to the scrutiny.”
Jenkin’s thoughts were also echoed by Moore, who is confident that despite the small boundaries and excellent wicket, there’ll be enough in it for the bowlers to force a result.
He said: “I’ll prepare the wicket the same as any other pitch. I’ll start doing it about 12 to 14 days in advance. I’ll cut and roll it on the first day and then the next day you roll it and continue like that and make sure that you keep it under cover if needs be.
“We’ve had some two-day games here before. On the first day I’m hoping there’ll be a bit in it for the bowlers but we want the game to last three days. There’s no point in it being finished in a day and a half. I always think that if it’s a good pitch then the best side should win.
“I don’t expect there to be a lot of spin but the bounce is always consistent, although as the game goes on it may get a little lower.”
Moore admits himself that he was slightly surprised to hear of Cornwall’s approach due to whispers that the ground was considered ‘too small to host three-day games’.
He said: “We’ve always had a one-day game here over the last few years although I’ve heard before that we’re a bit small for three-day games, but I always think that it’s the same for both sides. I think one of the other grounds has been taken off the list but I’m chuffed that we’ve been asked.
“It’s also brilliant for the Werrington players who are in contention for the squad, that they could get to play a three-day game on their home ground.”
To view Cornwall’s fixtures this summer, visit www.cornwallcricket.co.uk
While the club have been confirmed as hosts for the Cornwall against Devon clash, they have been rocked by the departure of big-hitting all-rounder James Turpin to fellow LWC?Drinks ECB Cornwall?Premier League side Wadebridge.
The Bridgers were promoted as champions from County Division?One last summer and had already boosted their squad for the challenge of Premier League cricket by signing batsman Ryan Pooley and opening bowler Callum?Wilson from local rivals St?Minver.
However the signing of Turpin, who worked his way up through the club from the third team right up to the first team before leaving for St Austell in 2014, is a significant coup.
The 20-year-old was a regular for Cornwall last season and has also turned out for the Cardiff South Wales MCC?University team, who are one of six university teams who play against the 18 first-class counties.
Werrington’s new first team skipper, Paul?Smith, admits he was gutted to see him go, but says that it’ll give other players within the club a chance.
He said:?“Obviously, I am disappointed to see James leave as he would have had a huge role to play in our squad this year.
“Understandably he wants to play Premier League cricket for a club close to his heart. However, we as a club are pushing for league titles and trophies. If all the players aren’t committed and pushing towards the overall goal for the team/club and their heart or mind is elsewhere, then as captain I would rather have someone completely dedicated to the cause.
“So yes, he will be a big loss but isn’t irreplaceable. We have a number of players within the club all pushing for first team cricket.
“As well as looking to recruit more players to aid the strength and depth of our fantastic club, our goals remain the same and it will add a little extra incentive to prove ourselves against him throughout 2018. That being said, we hold no grudges and wish James all the very best for the coming season.”
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