Emburey backs Ladbrokes as umpires strike back

John Emburey, Former England Captain and current Middlesex Coach backs Ladbrokes sponsorship of the Middlesex County Cricket League and Youth Academy.

This is a new and innovative sponsorship for Ladbrokes; combining support for the league and the academy and for the first time Ladbrokes is launching their highly successful `Fair Play' scheme into league cricket.

John Emburey Fair Play Ambassador commented, "This is an opportunity for Umpires to strike back, it's a great initiative and a fantastic opportunity to penalise players for sledging and bad sportsmanship on the field. It will improve standards of behaviour and uphold the traditions of the game. We are thrilled to be involved with such an enlightened approach".

The scheme rewards one club in each 1st XI side that finishes top of the Fair Play league in each of the 3 divisions considered by the umpires to have achieved the highest standards in Fair Play through the season.

In assessing teams for Fair Play umpires will consider three broad criteria, which are based on `The Spirit of Cricket'. The criteria for Umpires are:

• Spirit of Cricket on the Field
• Courtesy towards umpires and opponents
• Acceptance of decisions

Ladbrokes, sponsors of this years Middlesex Cricket League is officially launching the partnership at The Cricketers Club of London, 71 Blandford Street, London W1U 1AB, on Tuesday 8th April at 7pm.

Dominic Harrison, Ladbrokes Commercial Director said "Ladbrokes recognises the importance of supporting grass roots sports and is delighted to be sponsoring the Middlesex League, we are looking forward to a successful and enjoyable relationship"

Vinny Codrington, Chief Executive of Middlesex, was delighted to have secured such a sponsorship. "To be able to support league cricket in the county, and help with the development of players through the academy is a major step forward for cricket in Middlesex, and we are delighted to be involved with Ladbrokes."