Two-year sponsorship deal agreed

A Shropshire leisure business has signed a two-year deal to sponsor Shrewsbury and District Evening Cricket League’s 20/20 competition which is celebrating its 45th birthday this summer.

Salop Leisure, the award-winning caravan, motorhome and camper van dealership based at Emstrey, Shrewsbury, has thrown its weight behind the league, which has 27 teams in four divisions.

The league, which runs until the beginning of August, attracts teams within roughly a 30-mile radius of Shrewsbury and has been running since 1978.

Salop Leisure also sponsors Shrewsbury Town Football Club, Shrewsbury Senior Citizens Bowling League and Salop Leisure Premier Football League. It also has advertising boards at cricket grounds across Shropshire.

Mike Harris, Salop Leisure’s joint managing director, who has played in the league for Guilsfield, said: “We are delighted to further endorse local sport in Shropshire by sponsoring Shrewsbury and District Evening Cricket League’s 20/20 competition for the next two years.

“This exciting and explosive form of cricket has really taken off in recent years and attracted a new audience to the sport. We hope it will encourage more players and spectators to get involved with local teams.”

Ray Collins, league chairman, said the league was originally formed to give players who were unable to play at weekends an opportunity to play cricket. 

“Having Salop Leisure come on board as a sponsor is great for the league and we are very grateful for the company’s support.”

Pictured: Salop Leisure’s joint managing director Mike Harris and Oliver Griffiths from the Shrewsbury and District Evening Cricket League