Match Preview: Hampshire Men v Essex, Rothesay County Championship
Hampshire Men host Essex at Utilita Bowl in the opening round of the 2026 Rothesay County Championship over Easter weekend
Hampshire Cricket have been shortlisted as finalists for four awards at this year’s ECB Business of Cricket Awards – the joint most of any county – following a year which saw The Ageas Bowl welcome a record number of cricket fans.
This year’s Business of Cricket Awards will take place tonight (Thursday 10th November) at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester and will recognise and reward First-Class counties and MCC personnel who work tirelessly to show influence, insight, and innovation, taking the experience of cricket for its fans beyond expected standards.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the awards did not take place in 2020 and 2021 and, as a result, this year’s ceremony sees entries welcomed from all three seasons between 2020 and 2022.
And following the finalisation of the shortlisted nominees, Hampshire have been confirmed as finalists for Digital Campaign of the Year, Tickets/Membership Sales & Marketing Campaign of the Year, Community Engagement Campaign of the Year and Customer Retention Initiative of the Year; for work including the establishment of the transformational Hampshire Hawks City Academy and the Club’s partnership with South Western Railway.
Hampshire Men host Essex at Utilita Bowl in the opening round of the 2026 Rothesay County Championship over Easter weekend
View the latest scorecard from Hampshire women's pre-season friendly against Warwickshire at Edgbaston
Hampshire Women head to Birmingham to play Warwickshire in their first 50-over friendly of the season