In over 200 years Hursley Park had never seen anything quite like it.

Twenty-two cricketers clad in black and red attire, with a white ball being bowled at two sets of blue stumps out of black sightscreens.

Twenty20 cricket had arrived at The Quarters - and a decent sized crowd turned up to watch it.

It was a full-scale dress rehearsal by the Southern Electric Premier League for next week's Twenty20 warm-up matches against Hampshire, who shortly embark on their own 20-over county challenge.

The SPL play the full Hampshire team at Bournemouth Sports Club's Chapel Gate ground on Tuesday. And then again the following evening - Wednesday June 30 - at the BAT Sports Club, Totton.

Both matches will start at 6 o'clock and will be played under strict Twenty20 rules.

With Hampshire's opening three Twenty20 county matches away from home, Director of Cricket Tim Tremlett is hopeful large crowds will come to next week's warm-up games.

"Looking at the players the Premier League has at its disposal, we should get some pretty meaningful middle practice." he added.

The Premier League got into the Twenty20 party mood with a seven-wicket win over an Overseas XI, drawn from SEPL clubs.

The Premier League team won by seven wickets with four balls of the match to spare after the Overseas XI had posted a useful 146 for 4 in 20 overs. Eastern Province left-hander Carl Bradfield (47), Shawn Gillies (43) and Ryan Hale (24) got the lion's share of the runs.

Richard Scott (54) underpinned the SPL run chase, sharing key partnerships with David Banks (40) and Lee Savident (28 not out).

The Premier League is anxious to make both the Bournemouth and BAT evenings family affairs, and will be charging £5 (adults) and £2 (children), with part of the proceeds going to the Howzat! Appeal.

People will be able to pay at the gate on the night, but if they want to buy tickets in advance, then they should contact the Hampshire Cricket ticket office at the Rose Bowl. Full refreshment facilities will be available on both grounds and car parking is free.