Derbyshire take on Premier League in Twenty20 Cup trial

A Derbyshire Scorpions XI will play an inaugural fixture under the new Twenty20 Cup rules at the County Ground, Derby against a Derbyshire Premier Cricket League XI.

The match - beginning at 5.30pm on Friday May 16 - will be played in coloured clothing and with a white ball, and admission to the 20 over per side game will be free of charge to spectators. Refreshments will be available on the evening. This shortened variety of the game takes less than 3 hours from start to finish.

The purpose of the fixture is twofold - to promote the relationship between the respective organisations, and to provide a flavour of the exciting new competition being introduced to spectators in 2003.

"This provides a great test for the professionals against the best of the recreational game in Derbyshire - and should give everyone a glimpse of the thrills and spills that Twenty20 is intended to provide. The game is designed to attract new supporters to cricket, and we hope that local people will support their Club and County," said Derbyshire CCC Chief Executive, John Smedley.

In the Twenty20 Cup regional zones, Derbyshire Scorpions will play three away fixtures and two home against County opposition - the home games will be versus local rivals Nottinghamshire Outlaws on Thursday 19th June, and the Durham Dynamos on Monday June 23rd.