Glamorgan 2nd XI fixtures announced

Glamorgan’s 2^nd XI fixtures have been announced with the side returning to action in 2021.

Continuing with the plans from 2020, the Second Eleven Championship moves to a four-day format to help prepare players for the senior competition. The Second Eleven Trophy will no longer be contested, to allow time for the extended SEC games to be completed, with sides able to arrange 50-over friendlies during the summer should they wish to.

The Second Eleven T20 competition begins at the end of May and runs until late June, aligning it with the Vitality Blast block of games to help players stake a claim for a place in the side and provide match practice for those not in the squad.

Glamorgan are still reigning champions of the SET20 after victory at Arundel over Hampshire in August 2019 and will open their defence of the title at Portland Road against Warwickshire on May 31^st.

All Glamorgan 2^nd XI home games will be played at Newport Cricket Club, with Sophia Gardens hosting all 1^st XI games due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Initially, the games will be behind closed doors, but fans will be kept updated if the situation changes.

The opening game of the four-day campaign begins at Taunton Vale against Somerset on Tuesday, 6^th April, and ends with a home clash against Yorkshire starting on Monday, 6^th September.

Last year saw a number of regular 2^nd XI players feature and perform at 1^st XI level, including Callum Taylor, Joe Cooke, Tom Cullen and Prem Sisodiya.

Steve Watkin, 2^nd XI Coach, said: “It’s really exciting to have 2^nd XI fixtures back this year.

“We understand that last year they weren’t really feasible but it’s important for the younger players in the squad to have that opportunity to compete and push for places in the squad, for first team players to regain form, and those in the first team squad to have people scoring runs, taking wickets, and pushing for their place in the side.

“To be able to give opportunities and increase that level of competition within the squad is key and something that Matt Maynard and myself are very keen to have again.

“It’s been a while, but we are desperate to retain our T20 title and get some wins in the four-day format – if the second XI are winning games and developing players, then it is great news for Glamorgan.”