WORCESTERSHIRE have launched a staunch defence of ticket prices for their much-anticipated Royal London One-Day Cup semi-final at New Road.

Chief executive Tom Scott insists £25 for members is “incredibly well priced” despite charging three times more than Essex Eagles who host the other last-four clash.

Rapids take on Yorkshire Vikings or Surrey on Saturday, June 17, after reaching their first semi-final in 13 years.

Hundreds of tickets have already been snapped up after going on sale last week.

But the cost has been criticised with long-standing fan Glyn Hare, from Malvern, describing the price for members as “absolutely scandalous”.

Hare, who has supported the club for more than 30 years, said he felt the club were being “a bit greedy” after he found out Essex’s ticket prices.

“Because they have got to the lucrative semi-final they want to charge members who have already paid the membership fee £25 which we think is absolutely scandalous,” he said.

“We went on to the Essex website as they will be playing in the other semi-final and they have been quite reasonable.

“They are going to play the winners of Somerset or Nottingham and are charging members £8 which is fair enough. Worcestershire are being a bit greedy.”

With tickets costing £30 for adults Worcestershire have given members a £5 discount for the clash while juniors can get in for £10.

Essex’s members can secure a seat for £8 which is £7 cheaper than they are charging adults and £2 less than young adults are asked to pay.

Scott admitted he would love to offer Essex’s prices but insisted they “do not have the same luxury” as the New Road club look to boost finances.

Worcestershire had debts of more than £5million in their latest accounts. “Ticket prices are in line with other sports. The fact Essex are charging £8 for members is a matter for them,” Scott said.

“I would like nothing more than to be able to discount tickets to that extent but unfortunately it cannot happen.

“Essex sell out most of their one-day cup games and certainly all of their T20 Blast matches. We do not have the same luxury.

“I believe £25 for members to watch a home semi-final which is potentially eight hours of entertainment is incredibly well priced.

“The feedback we have received from our members and supporters is very positive and this is reflected in our ticket sales so far.”

Scott had previously stated Worcestershire had slipped behind rugby club Worcester Warriors in trying to maximise their commercial clout.