SOUTH WALES cricket supporters were today hoping to hear the news that first-class cricket has been secured at St Helen's for another summer.

Despite fears that Glamorgan were due to cut ties with the famous seaside ground, the Evening Post understands that St Helen's will host a championship four-day match and a one-day Pro40 contest in 2010 in what will be a five-day Swansea Festival.

Glamorgan's fixtures were due to be unveiled today with St Helen's and Colwyn Bay expected to be named alongside Cardiff's Swalec Stadium for the county's home dates.

That news will come as a huge relief to cricket followers in the area, especially after the ground came in for widespread criticism last season.

The council-owned ground which saw Glamorgan twice humble the touring Australians and Sir Garfield Sobers famously strike six sixes in an over, looked tired and run down.

The one-day match against Northamptonshire saw the game washed out without a ball being bowled with the players accused of not wanting to get out and play. There were also moans about the state of the pitch and outfield in the four-day match against Middlesex.

Meanwhile, each of next year's three internationals at the Swalec Stadium – the England v Australia 50-over game (June 24) and England v Pakistan Twenty20 ties (Sept 5 & 7) — have been put on sale to the general public.

A large number of tickets have already been snapped up by Glamorgan members and anyone interested in attending is advised to buy tickets as soon as possible. Tickets are available from www.glamorgancricket.com

Robert Lloyd