Fans will return to live sport in London tonight, with 2,500 socially-distanced spectators attending Surrey’s Vitality Blast fixture against Hampshire at the Kia Oval as part of the Government’s pilot scheme.
Surrey hosted 1,000 fans for a friendly against Middlesex in July and were due to have 2,500 in attendance for their first game of the Bob Willis Trophy, only for the Government to suspend the pilots at short notice.
But the trials resume tonight, with tickets snapped up promptly by
Surrey members. On Saturday, fans will return to club rugby, as Harlequins meet Bath at The Stoop.
“After the short-notice cancellation of the last trial, I am pleased we can once again start on the journey for the return of full crowds,” said Surrey chief executive Richard Gould.
“It is only a small first step, but it is an important one. We have had a
disappointing season on the pitch so far, but I am very grateful for the steadfast support of our members.”
Surrey, seeking their first win of the season, are set to hand a debut to Jamie Overton, who has joined on loan from Somerset ahead of his permanent move at the end of the campaign.
