Hampshire have announced that 2000 will be the last year they will play first- class cricket at The United Services Ground, Portsmouth and May's Bounty Basingstoke. The decision was made by the full Club Committee to play all cricket at West End from the first season of the new headquarters in 2001.

It was felt that with such a large investment in the new £18million sporting complex and all its facilities, it would no longer be appropriate to continue to play first-class matches at Portsmouth and Basingstoke.

Next season (2000) will therefore see more than the final farewell to Northlands Road, Southampton, but also the last county matches at both the United Services Ground and May's Bounty.

HISTORY - US Ground, Portsmouth

The first first class match was staged at US Portsmouth on August 17,18 and 19, 1882 when Cambridge University, Past and Present opposed the Australians--the University won by 20 runs, dismissing the Australians for 141 and 187.

The first Hampshire match took place on June 21 and 22, 1888 when Sussex beat the home county by an innings. Arthur Hide taking 11 for 43 for the victors. Regarded as the principal Royal Navy ground as well as the home of the United Services, the venue is the scene of many major Services matches.

Before the start of the 2000 season a total of 314 first-class matches had been played by Hampshire, and 54 Limited Overs games.

HISTORY - May's Bounty, Basingstoke

The first recorded game for a Basingstoke side was in 1817, but the Folly or May's Bounty Ground as it is now known was certainly used for cricket in 1855 and probably before. The Basingstoke Gents Cricket Club was founded in 1840 and disbanded in 1864 which led the way for John May as President in 1865 to create the Basingstoke Cricket Club.

In 1880 John May bought the cricket ground to prevent speculative building and engaged the Surrey professional Elliot to coach and play.

The first first-class match was staged on the ground in 1906, Hampshire playing Warwickshire on May 21,22 and 23.

Before the start of the 2000 season a total of 42 first-class matches had been played by Hampshire,and 29 Limited Overs games.