Cricket sponsorship delight

Officials at the Shropshire Premier Cricket League were today celebrating securing "the largest sponsorship" deal in the county - and also welcoming Much Wenlock to their ranks.

Wenlock, last season's Rollinson Smith champions, have been invited to join the dozen-strong Premier League, should they fulfil ground improvements by the March 1 deadline.

League secretary and treasurer Brian Kitson said: "When teams apply to join the league, the Shropshire Cricket Board carry out an independent ground inspection and make a recommendation.

"Much Wenlock have been accepted provided they carry out a few improvements - mainly to changing facilities - by March 1."

Should, as expected, Wenlock fulfil the criteria set out in time they will replace perennial Market Drayton, who will drop down to the Rollinson Smith League.

The other change in the make-up of the League will see last year's champions Oswestry replaced by relegated Wem. Meanwhile, Wenlock and their 11 rivals will now be competing in the Marstons Shropshire Premier League after officials agreed a three-year sponsorship deal with the brewery.

Kitson refused to go into details, but added: "We are absolutely delighted to be able to announce this very lucrative deal.

"It's probably the biggest sponsorship deal ever for a league in Shropshire and hopefully we can move forward in partnership."

Adam Hollinshead, area manager for Marstons and a Broseley player, said: "It's lucrative for everyone because the league is getting financial assistance from us and we are getting Marstons Pedigree or Smooth at every bar in the league.

"We are very keen to get involved in grassroots cricket so we are really pleased."