Hampshire Cricket League attract first sponsors for 45 years

Clubs will be asked to endorse the four-figure deal at today’s annual general meeting at the Ageas Bowl.

Finch’s sponsorship of the county’s huge recreational weekend competition – 301 teams are due to compete in the league this summer – is set to begin on May 9.

The Finch Group are commercial insurance brokers, who have seven offices across the south of England.

Hampshire League chairman Denis Emery, who initiated the deal, said: ‘We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Finch Group as our first sponsors in over 45 years.

‘They already insure over 100 of our clubs.

‘When Vincent Gardner of Finch Group contacted us, we had no hesitation in agreeing to the sponsorship of a company that has been closely connected with the Hampshire League.

‘Their support for club cricket in North Hampshire, with Hook & Newnham Basics and the long-standing Guy Jewell T20 Cup competition at May’s Bounty, is well known and greatly appreciated.’

Mr Emery confirmed that the sponsorship will pay for Umpire and Scorers courses including the first year’s ECB ACO membership.

Finch Group Managing Director Mr Gardner added: ‘Denis and the HCL committee and all of the volunteers running cricket clubs in Hampshire really need financial support, so I hope that some of our sponsorship will go into supporting grassroots cricket locally.

‘Although my personal allegiance is to Hook & Newnham Basics CC, I am hopeful this three-year deal will prove beneficial to all clubs in the county.’

Clubs needing an insurance quote ahead of the HCL’s 1 April 2020 deadline should contact Tony Symons or Jill Jukes at the Finch Group’s North Baddesley office on 02380 769872.

‘Tony and Jill have been dealing with cricket cub insurance in Hampshire for over 20 years, so they have a wealth of experience,’ Mr Gardner added.