Portsmouth loses cricket for 1999 season

Following concerns of Hampshire CCC regarding the condition of the pitches at the United Services Ground in Portsmouth, Harry Brind (the ECB Pitches Consultant) inspected the square last week and met representatives of all interested parties.

Mr.Brind's report has now been received by the Club and this recommends that the first-class matches scheduled for this season on the ground should be played elsewhere. Bearing in mind the stringent penalties that could be imposed by ECB if a poor pitch is produced, the Club feels it must follow this advice and consequently the following matches will now be played at the County Ground in Southampton:-

PPP healthcare County Championship v Lancashire on July 21st to 24th inclusive CGU National League v Lancashire on July 25th PPP healthcare County Championship v Sussex on August 24th to 27th inclusive

The 2nd XI Championship match against Worcestershire scheduled for July 20th to 23rd at Southampton has been relocated to Bournemouth Sports Club.

The Club appreciates that this decision inconveniences many people and regrets this very much. In particular, the Royal Navy and Portsmouth City Council will be disappointed that there will be no County Cricket in the city in spite of their efforts.