CRICKET: Somerset fans flock to buy season tickets (From Bridgwater Mercury)

CRICKET: Somerset fans flock to buy season tickets

7:00am Friday 10th February 2012 in Somerset CCC

THE new cricket season is only just around the corner and Somerset fans have been signing up in their droves to watch Marcus Trescothick and his team in 2012 as they bid to win some silverware.

The Cidermen are due to start their championship campaign with a home match against Middlesex in just eight weeks time.

But the fans haven’t waited until then to join for the new campaign and by the time that the discounted period ended on January 31 over 5,000 members had already signed up – well ahead of the comparative time in 2011.

The opportunity of seeing the most competitive team in England joined by the likes of South African bowling phenomenon Vernon Philander for the opening two months of the season, followed by the mouth watering prospect of watching West Indian Chris Gayle, one of the biggest names in world cricket, and South African big hitting all rounder Albie Morkel playing in the T20, is proving irresistible.

Guy Wolfenden, head of marketing and sales at SCCC said: “Leading up to the end of the discount period membership was flooding into the County Ground, with supporters rushing to ensure that they received the best value for the 2012 season.

“There will be big crowds for all games this year, including Somerset’s 137th campaign to try to win the County Championship for the first time.

“With the arrival of Chris Gayle T20 tickets are going to be the hottest property in town.

“Taunton is quite a small ground so there is going to be a limited capacity for the five home games.”

Tickets for all games go on sale as from March 1 and the advice is to buy early to avoid any disappointment because 2012 looks like a season not to be missed.

For those who have missed the discounted prices the cost effective method of spreading the payment over six months is available.

Further details can be obtained from the main office or by calling 0845-3371875.