CHAIRMAN Sean Walbridge believes Dorset have struck it lucky with their new venues following the success of matches at Bashley and North Perrott.

Dorset are this season staging games outside of the county for the first time in their 119-year history after being forced to leave Dean Park.

They hosted Hampshire in a high-profile T20 friendly at Bashley on Thursday before returning to the New Forest to face Devon in the Unicorns Trophy on Sunday.

Dorset entertained Cornwall at North Perrott in Somerset earlier this month and will welcome Shropshire to Chapel Gate for their first Minor Counties Championship match at the start of June.

Despite losing a rain-affected match against Devon, Dorset topped their group and will face Wiltshire in the quarter-finals of the Unicorns Trophy at North Perrott on Sunday, June 12.

Walbridge, who is in his first season as chairman, told the Daily Echo: “We had some horrible weather in the lead up to both matches at Bashley and they had to put an enormous amount of effort into making sure the ground was fit for play.

“It was in superb condition for both games, as was North Perrott when we played there earlier this month.

“We have built a relationship with both clubs over the winter and are really grateful to them. Our problems getting grounds in Dorset which have a wicket up to the required standard along with the catering and hospitality facilities have been well documented and Bashley and North Perrott have stepped up and been excellent hosts.

“Hopefully, this is the start of a relationship where we can play regularly at both venues, together with Chapel Gate.

“Both Bashley and North Perrott seemed to be happy with us and we are extremely happy with them and would like to express our thanks for everything they have done for us.”

Walbridge was also keen to point out that the county were “in communication” with other clubs in Dorset who had stated an interest in hosting their matches and said they were “looking forward to our matches at Bournemouth Sports Club later in the season”.

He was also keen to publicly thank Hampshire for sending a full-strength squad to Bashley ahead of the start of their NatWest T20 Blast campaign which starts at Middlesex on Friday.

He added: “Our young players had an amazing experience against them. It was a horrible evening weather-wise and they could easily have decided not to come.

“Conditions were awful and the surface was very greasy. They’ve got some important games coming up and could have given it a miss but they didn’t and we are very grateful to them for that.

“It has been a really good few days for Dorset cricket and an excellent start to the new season. Long may it continue.”