Adi Aymes, Hampshire’s long serving Batsman/Wicket-keeper starts his 2000Adi Benefit, with the first cricket match of the Millennium.

At Midnight + 5minutes, the first cricket ball will be bowled at Broadhalfpenny Down, Hambledon, as players and party revellers bring in the new year at the famous Bat and Ball Inn.

Organised by cricket writer Ashley Mote and landlord Dick Orders, it will hoped to become known as the first match of the century in UK. Floodlights from cars and other sources will be used to lighten the old cricket ground, which recently saw the completion of a new pavilion. After a few balls, under agreement, the umpires will call the match off for bad light, and all the players will return to the festivities. The match (a ten overs a side game) will resume in better light at 12 noon.

In the words of co-organiser Dick Orders “This match will be played, unless there is a monsoon over Hambledon, an earthquake or 15 feet of snow”. Given the weather forecast, heavy rain and high winds, progress will not be held up.