Minor Counties Update

The Channel Islands have joined the 20 Minor Counties, the 17 first-class Board XIs and Huntingdonshire in the 2001 ECB 38-County Cup. But despite now boasting 39 entrants, the competition will continue to be known as the ECB 38-County Cup.

The Islands will stage their two home matches at the Grainville Ground at St Saviours in Jersey. They are against the Hampshire Board XI on Sunday May 27, and Berkshire on Sunday July 1.

Reigning ECB 38-County Cup champions Herefordshire begin their defence of the trophy against Wales on Sunday May 20. New venues being used in the 2001 competition are Harpenden (Hertfordshire), Longhirst (Northumberland), Wem (Shropshire), Tamworth (Staffordshire) and Woodbridge School (Suffolk).

The new three-day championship programme kicks off at Jesmond when Northumberland play Hertfordshire on May 20, 21 and 22. Dorset, the 2000 champions, begin against Wiltshire the following week at Dean Park, Bournemouth.

The only new championship venue for 2001 is Manor Park, Hellsdon, the home of Horsford CC and Norfolk's new base following their decision to leave Lakenham.