A Glamorgan XI will travel north on April 28th to play the Readers North Wales Cricket League Select XI at Mochdre CC (2pm start), three days prior to the start of Colwyn Bay cricket festival.
The fixture has been arranged to support North Wales cricket, promote the cricket festival in May and give Glamorgan players a first competitive outing in the 40 overs format prior to the start of Clydesdale Bank 40 competition and one-day fixtures.
Next year marks 20 years since Tony Cottey hit the winning runs and the iconic scenes that followed as Glamorgan successfully lifted the one-day title for the first time, with a side that featured the likes of Viv Richards, Hugh Morris and Matthew Maynard. With new one-day captain Marcus North in charge, and Glamorgan returning to the same team colours as the class of ’93, repeating such a success at Lord’s in 2013 would be a remarkable achievement and a fantastic way for the Welsh county to celebrate its 125th anniversary year.
A similar fixture in conjunction with the South Wales Premier League prior to the start of Friends Life t20 competition was staged at Cardiff CC last season, which proved very beneficial to the profile of the Premier League as well as Glamorgan’s preparations, with an 83-run victory.
Glamorgan Coach Steve Watkin said, "Following on from last year's successful T20 warm up against the South Wales Premier League we are delighted to be playing a North Wales XI at Mochdre as part or our 2013 CB40 preparations.
“We know the North Wales region is growing in strength and the fact that two Glamorgan players namely Will Owen and David Lloyd are in our squad is testament to this.
“As well as being a very competitive game it will also give the Glamorgan coaches an opportunity to watch first-hand and gauge the North Wales talent on show."
Glamorgan return to Colwyn Bay in early May to face a LV= County Championship game against Lancashire (1-4th May) and CB40 encounter versus Yorkshire (5th May). Both fixtures should provide exciting contests and the short trip should appeal to travelling cricket fans across the border too.
Glamorgan have launched a County Membership for 2013, which provides access to five Glamorgan match days for £50 and guarantees the right to buy an Ashes ticket in 2015. With match day ticket prices priced £15 for County Championship and CB40 games, supporters will save £25 if membership is purchased before end of February.
Speaking on behalf of North Wales Cricket League, Cricket Wales Representative Richard Penney commented, "The Readers North Wales Cricket League welcomes the opportunity to host Glamorgan in what they hope will become an annual event at venues across the region.
“Mochdre CC were invited to stage the inaugural match due to their previous experience of hosting inter-regional ECB T20 events and the existing contacts with their local authority whose assistance is greatly appreciated.
“This game will inevitably forge closer links between the NWCL and Glamorgan and any initiative to raise the profile of the game of cricket in the region is wholeheartedly supported. By scheduling the fixture early in the cricketing calendar it is hoped to attract and inspire young players in the region and encourage them to remain within the game."
Glamorgan player David Lloyd added, “There will be a lot of players from up north keen to test themselves against us, as this opportunity has not come along too often. This fixture is great news for them and it’s good for Glamorgan players too. I’m looking forward to it and really hope to be involved.
“The Colwyn Bay cricket festival is as popular as ever and with games against Yorkshire and Lancashire next May, supporters are in for a real treat. We should have two bumper crowds especially with the new County Membership, which is ideal for supporters wishing to watch top class cricket and save a few quid.”
Glamorgan versus Readers North Wales Select XI will commence at 2pm at Mochdre CC, with Glamorgan expected to field a strong team eager for match practice ahead of the first CB40 match at Colwyn Bay on Sunday 5th May. Tickets will be available on the gate at Mochdre, with full details to follow.