Kent Cricket Shines Light on Universities
Thursday 14th April 2011
The first match under the new, permanent lights at St Lawrence Ground will be an Inter-Universities match between Canterbury Christ Church and Kent, on Friday 13 May.
In an auspicious night of first the Club has stated its excitement in hosting the University match with CEO Jamie Clifford noting that: “This is the first time the two Universities have ever played each other at the home of County Cricket and we believe it is wholly appropriate that it also be the first match under lights. The fixture is planned to be an annual event and I believe will grow to be a must see in the Universities, as well as local communities, calendar.”
Commenting on the fixture Canterbury Christ Church University, Luke Harris, Men's club captain and women's head coach noted that: “’Both of our teams are very excited about the opportunity of playing at the St Lawrence ground and being the first to experience the new floodlights. After coming so close to winning both the indoor varsity matches last month we can’t wait to get out there and have revenge over the University of Kent teams.”
Kent University Cricket Club Captain Tom Kopelman noted that: "I speak on behalf of the teams by saying what a privilege it is for all of us to be playing on such an occasion under the new lights at our Country ground. We look forward to an exciting and entertaining evening of cricket."
Universityof Kent Directorof Sport Graham Holmes said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our current students to play the inaugural Annual Universities Match at the newly developed county ground under the new floodlights.
“This reinforces the excellent relationship between the University of Kent and Kent County Cricket Club that has existed now for many years.
“I look forward to developing this relationship further as we move forward with our respective organisations”
Dr Andrew Balsdon, Director of Sport at Christ Church, added: “Canterbury Christ Church University is very proud and honoured to be asked to participate in such a historic event for Kent cricket.
“I’m sure it will be an entertaining match, and hopefully not only the first of many meetings between our two universities, but the start of some great evening matches for Kent cricket fans.
“We would like to wish Kent County Cricket Club a very successful season and we look forward to working together in the future.”
The fixture is being supported by local business with restaurant Nando’s associate sponsors of the evening and Shepherd Neame beer brand Oranjeboom sponsor of the Kent University teams.
The evening will consist of both a Women’s and Men’s match, played under a 15 over, eight ball format to ensure both game can be completed within the scheduled time. Entry is free with the Women’s game starting at 5.00pm and Men’s programmed for 7.30pm. No food or beverage will be allowed into the ground.