Teresa Burrows is enthusiastic about the possibility of PHC Field stepping in as a vibrant new host for the Western Counties Cup competition.

With Southampton Rangers Sports Club having had the plug pulled on its hosting of this year’s event because of safety concerns among affiliate members, the Western Counties Cricket Association president intimated that she would welcome an alternative venue.

“PHC are absolutely eligible to be hosts,” Burrows confirmed, brushing aside rumours about the Warwick club’s eligibility. “They haven’t officially petitioned yet, but they’re definitely a strong option for us.”

“Ultimately, we’re all working together to elevate the county, push things forward and make this competition the best it can be.

“When the time is right, we’ll sit down, bring PHC into the conversation as a host and focus on making the county even bigger and better.

“The whole thing about what we’re doing is to build, improve and advance. We want people to understand that it’s not just about one county, Cup Match or any individual event; it’s about improving all aspects of cricket in the country.”

White Hill Field has been the home of the competition for nearly a decade and, while Burrows also serves as president of Somerset Bridge Recreation Club, she is excited at the prospect of passing the torch and letting other venues shine.

“PHC have hosted county before, and it’s definitely an option,” she said. “That would be a whole different look for us, a different atmosphere, and I’m definitely open to change.”

Burrows emphasised that she genuinely wanted a new venue this year, but circumstances beyond her control shaped the final decision.

“I truly wanted it to be somewhere other than here [White Hill Field],” she said. “I wanted it to be somewhere else, but due to how things went, unfortunately the clubs reached out. Safety was our top priority, and we had to ride with that decision.

“There’s no hard feelings and definitely no disrespect towards Rangers. That’s where the county began, and I’d never take that history away from them.

“We’re here to work together, not as individuals. It’s all about the county as a whole and how we can work together and make it bigger and better.”

With Rangers voicing concerns about the financial strain of preparing to host, Burrows was asked whether revenue-sharing was in place.

“We’re working on it,” she said. “We’re still growing and once we’re profitable, we can look at options like revenue-sharing.

“If everyone keeps backing the event and helping it grow, we’ll reach a point where we can do even more for everyone involved, but it’ll take everyone pitching in to get us there.”

Burrows also noted that before revenue-sharing is possible, operating expenses need to be met. There are still plenty of spectator plots available for lease and opportunities for new sponsors to get involved.

“We still have plots for sale for the series,” Burrows said. “People can contact us by e-mail or, if you know me, get in touch with me.

“We have a whole section across the field that we would like to fill, as well as more scaffolding that can be erected.”

The action continues on Saturday at White Hill, where champions Warwick will face off against Southampton Rangers.