Club lit up by Twenty20 vision (From Gazette Series)

Club lit up by Twenty20 vision

GLOUCESTERSHIRE CCC have been busy looking ahead to the new-look 2005 Twenty20 Cup this week, with a brand new kit just one of the club's incentives to do well this year.

Tickets for the unique Twenty20 matches have recently gone on sale and, last week, the club revealed its new yellow and blue kit, which will mark the first time that the club has ever had a separate kit for the competition.

With a host of new signings having arrived at the County Ground during the winter, including proven one-day stars such as Sri Lankan leg-spinner Upul Chandana, fast bowler Steve Kirby and top order batsman Kadeer Ali, confidence is high at the club in terms of all three one-day competitions.

This year, the club has four home games in the Twenty20 Cup. It all starts on Friday, June 24, with a County Ground clash against Glamorgan Dragons, with the game starting at 5.30pm. The club then play Worcestershire Royals on Sunday, June 26, at 1pm, Warwickshire Bears on Tuesday, June 28, at 5.30pm, and then there is an eagerly-awaited clash against old rivals Somerset Sabres on Friday, July 1, at 5.30pm.

The ticket prices for these matches is #8 for adults in advance, and #12 on the gate, while juniors under 16 can gain admission for #4 in advance and #6 on the gate. A mini-season ticket that allows admission into all of these games costs #24, and is available in advance only.

Tickets went on sale last week and are available online at www.glosccc.co.uk. The rise in popularity of the Twenty20 Cup, now in its third year, has led to Gloucestershire receiving continued sponsorship from car rack firm Thule for the second season running.

As was the case last year, Thule will run the club's 'player of the month' competition and the 'champagne moment' award, which is presented to players throughout the season for their contributions to the club.

Kiwi batsman Craig Spearman stole the show last year and won three player of the month awards. In June, he recorded the highest ever score by a Gloucestershire player in a first class match and was a successful fixture in the 'champagne moment' awards ceremonies.

Gloucestershire chief executive Tom Richardson was overjoyed with the recent sponsorship announcement and said: "Thule became involved with us a couple of years ago and last year they expanded their sponsorship with the awards.

"The monthly awards sponsored by Thule are a great morale boost to our players through the season - they really look forward to hearing the winner every month and like to argue who they think should have won!"

Thule UK marketing manager Peter Barker added: "We are delighted to be sponsoring Gloucestershire Cricket Club again this year - they are a very successful team, and we are looking forward to another successful season with them."