UNICORNS cricket is embracing the Twenty20 format for the first time this summer - and Herefordshire CCC host one of the opening group events at Eastnor on Sunday.

The day will comprise of three matches - Herefordshire v Wales (10am) followed by Oxfordshire v Shropshire (1pm) and then the two winning teams meeting to decide the Group 2 winner at around 4pm.

Other group games are taking place at Exmouth, Chester Boughton Hall, Sawston and Harpenden with the Twenty20 finals day at Banbury CC on Sunday, July 12.

Herefordshire CCC chairman Bobbie Edwards said: "This is an exciting addition to the Unicorns games and we are delighted to be hosting one of the first events.

"We are also extremely grateful to Eastnor CC for agreeing to provide us with their excellent ground and facilities for the day.

“A day such as this takes a lot of organisation and I must thank the Eastnor CC committee as well as my fellow county committee members for all the effort that has gone into preparing for the event.

"The ECB has provided us with a little extra cash for what is a special day, but we also have to thank our sponsors, Stowford Press, for their donation in addition to their annual sponsorship contribution to HCCC.

“We are also grateful to D3 Active based at Eastnor who have provided 'pop-ups' to help extend the changing facilities to accommodate four teams."

Entrance and car parking to watch this exciting new venture is free and spectators are welcome.