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FROM LEFT: Club chairman Steve Rayner, committee member Pete Wellman and cricket section chairman Keith Harris promote the return of county cricket to May's Bounty

TOP West Indian batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul will be the star attraction when Durham come to Basingstoke next month for a County Championship match with Hampshire.

The four-day game at May's Bounty starts on Wednesday, August 27, and goes on until Saturday, August 30.

It is the first time in eight years that Hampshire have played at the venue and, as well as Chanderpaul, the visitors should also include former England bowlers Steve Harmison and Liam Plunkett With the increased usage of Hampshire's Rose Bowl ground in Southampton for concerts, it is hoped the August game will be the first of what could become at least one annual visit by Hampshire to Basingstoke.

Cricket chiefs at Hampshire and May's Bounty will be hoping for a strong show of corporate and fan support for the Durham game as this will demonstrate the potential for future games in the borough.

Steve Rayner, chairman of Basingstoke Sports and Social Club - which includes Basingstoke and North Hants Cricket Club - is urging local cricket fans to attend the game to ensure it is a resounding success.

Rayner said: "I am certain Hampshire fans will pour in for the game as many from this area do not often make the trip to the Rose Bowl.

"The last time Hampshire were here, which was also against Durham, we had a crowd of 3,000. I would expect the same again."

While the fans are expected to flock to the match, it is also hoped that the business community embraces the corporate hospitality opportunities offered by the top-class clash in Basingstoke.

Being able to entertain clients at matches at May's Bounty has been a hit with companies in the past and it is hoped that this money-spinning success story will be repeated.

Rayner said: "This is the chance for us to make sure county cricket stays in the town and that Hampshire do not look elsewhere to stage games.

"I urge businesses in the town to get involved in what will be four great days of sport and, for sure, a high-spot of the summer."

There are plenty of ways for businesses to get involved, including sponsoring the match for £15,000, which will give the sponsor four advertising boards and its logo on the programme and scorecard.

There are two days left on the match ball sponsorship, while ground advertising boards cost £1,000. Match-day hospitality is priced at £150-a-head for a table of eight, 10 or 12.

There are also two marquees available for hire for companies hoping to entertain larger numbers of clients.

Rayner said: "We have also been told by Hampshire to make the press tent bigger because of the interest of the national press in the game.

"So advertising at the ground is going to get a lot of exposure."

Rayner summed up: "After fighting so hard to get it back, we have to make this event a success. If we lose it again, I believe it will be lost forever."

Any companies interested in taking up the many sponsorship opportunities available for the match can contact the club for more information on 01256 331646 or 01256 473646.

2:10pm Wednesday 23rd July 2008

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