By Adam Tiffen

Southport and Birkdale chairman Andrew Carney said he is very pleased with the way last week’s four-day game at S&B panned out.

The chairman said that the weather played a big factor in the success of the game, which saw Lancashire defeat Hampshire by six wickets. 

He said: “We’re obviously very aware that we got some good weather which always sets the scene, and the tone, for everything. Even the storms that came were happening late at night, which was perfect timing.”

The total attendance across the four days was just under 5000, surpassing Mr Carney’s target by almost a thousand. 

The game was the first of two home away from home games for Lancashire this year, with the other being played at Blackpool in mid-July.

Mr Carney said matches like this, played away from big, international-level grounds, require the hosts to adapt the way that they do things.

He added: “When you’re watching a game at an out-ground it’s a different experience than going to Old Trafford. 

“Everything is closer, everything is more intimate, everything is more personal.

“It’s just the little things that make a difference.

“The whole time we’re just thinking about the quality. 

“The big bits of the jigsaw are in place, so you’re always working on the small bits; and we always want to go that extra mile any time Lancashire come here.”

The club provided a special experience for a group of disabled people, and their carers, who were there with the Revitalise Sandpiper organisation.

They help to provide revitalising holidays to those who are disabled, and those who provide care for them. 

“This year we organised, and hosted, a free table for them,” said Mr Carney.

“We had a really good day with them, on the Tuesday, as well as their carers, who are really special people.”

The club’s chairman has said that he feels confident about being able to host one of Lancashire’s County Championship games again next year.

“I had time with the Lancashire chief executive, Daniel Gidney, and we walked the boundary,” he said.

“I was keen to get his perspective and hear the feedback he’d been getting, and it was nothing but extremely positive.”

S&B won’t find out until the end of the year as to whether they will be hosting the Red Rose again next season.

But Mr Carney feels that the club is in a good place to do so.

He added: “We have an experienced team now. 

“You never take anything for granted, but I’m optimistic that we’ll be invited to host a fixture in 2024.”