THE Wiltshire Cricket League has been handed a financial boost ahead of the new season.

They have agreed a three-year deal with Worcestershire based company, Crusader Sports and Leisure, worth £1,000 a year.

Crusader has supplied the Wiltshire League with cricket balls for the last four seasons and both parties have decided to commit to each other for the next three years. The league has agreed to continue buying their balls at a competitive fixed price in return for an annual donation.

Mike Smith, chairman of

the Wiltshire Cricket League for

the last four years, is delighted with the deal.

He said: "We haven't had a sponsor for about 10 years and so obviously it is a big boost to everyone involved.

"It will help us help the clubs in the league because we do occasionally give grants for various reasons and this sponsorship will help us do that.

"After buying their balls for the last few years it was just a natural progression to come to this deal."

Smith believes the deal with Crusader, whose marketing manager is former Worcestershire all- rounder David Leatherdale, represents a forward step.

He said: "This is the best thing that has happened to the league financially since I have been chairman.

"It is a big step in the right direction as we look to build the strength of the league for the future."