End to Warriors and Western Power partnership

THE Western Australian Cricket Association today announced that Western Power has elected not to exercise its option to continue as Major Sponsor of the Western Warriors.

Western Power will reduce its substantial contribution to Western Australian cricket, but would like to continue its support for regional development.

Western Power has been Major Sponsor of the Warriors for the past five years.

In announcing the conclusion of a successful partnership, WACA Chief Executive Mrs Kath White, praised Western Power's contribution to Western Australian cricket.

"We're pleased that we will still be partners with Western Power in our regional cricket program," Mrs White said.

"We fully understand Western Power's position in not being able to continue with their sponsorship of the Western Warriors."

Mrs White said that, negotiations with a comparable Warriors Major Sponsor, is now a priority for WACA management.

"The Western Warriors are a highly respected team on the national sporting scene with high profile players leading their appeal, such as Adam Gilchrist, Justin Langer and Damien Martyn," Mrs White said.

"Our Western Warriors epitomise the spirit of Western Australia as a State and they are always prominent performers in the Pura Cup and ING Cup competitions."

Western Power General Manager Retail John Lillywhite said Western Power would continue its strong relationship with the WACA.

"Although no longer the sole sponsor of the Western Warriors, Western Power has realigned its level of support for WA cricket, to focus solely on the WACA's regional junior program," said Mr Lillywhite.

"We would like to increase our backing for this very successful WACA program which we joined seven years ago. It has a strong rural and youth focus and its achievements are impressive.

"Western Power made the decision after reviewing its community partnership program in light of changes in the competitive marketplace.

"We found that backing the high profile Western Warriors did not fit with our strategies as we repositioned in the competitive market.

"Western Power looks forward to continuing to work with the WACA to develop its regional junior program.

"We have no doubt that the WACA and the Western Warriors will go from strength to strength."