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’s Geoff Beale will be representing both his county and country when he embarks on his maiden England Over 60’s tour to Australia later this year.
Beale received the call-up to the 16-man squad after an impressive 2015 season as captain of the Hampshire Over 60’s. Across the campaign the batsman averaged 53, notching 696 runs in 14 matches.
It has taken a while for it to have sunk in and even now I'm not really sure I've grasped the enormity of it. I am hugely thrilled and excited about playing cricket in Australia and representing my country. It is the stuff of school boy dreams and something that you never think could possibly happen to you.
Geoff Beale
I am immensely proud to be representing both my county Hampshire and England in what amounts to the Senior's Ashes.
John Foster (Shropshire) will skipper the side with Chris Swadkin (Kent) named as vice-captain for the tour, which will take place in November/December this year.
England Over 60’s squad to tour Australia: John Foster, Chris Swadkin, Nick Andrews, Dave Bartholemew, Geoff Beale, Nigel Belletty, Neil Calvert, Ian Caunce, Martin Ivill, Tim Mynott, David Pegg, Trevor Shales, Mike Stafford, Rupert Staple, Murphy Walwyn and Ryland Wallace.
The England Over 60’s are currently trying to attract sponsorship for both the players and for the team – for more information please contact [email protected].
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