Portman Group takes over sponsorship of National Under 15 Club Cricket Championship

The Portman Building Society announced today that it will sponsor the England and Wales Cricket Board's Under-15 National Club Cricket Championship, previously sponsored by Sun Bank, which since its acquisition in mid 2001, has been part of the Portman Group.

The terms of the sponsorship contract will mirror those signed by Sun Bank, which agreed a six-figure deal with the ECB to sponsor the competition until the end of the 2004 season.

Commenting on the announcement, the Portman's Chief Executive, Robert Sharpe said: "The Portman Group is delighted to invest in grass roots cricket via a prestigious competition such as the U15s Championship. We wish all of the clubs that take part in the Championship the best of luck for 2003."

The competition, now known as the Portman Under-15 National Club Cricket Championship, has gone from strength to strength since it was initiated by the Lord's Taverners in 1972. It is seen as a breeding ground for aspiring cricketers, with players such as Nasser Hussain, Marcus Trescothick and James Anderson having participated in it. Indeed, big-hitting England regular Andrew Flintoff is often remembered for his extraordinary feat in the 1993 competition when he scored 234 not out in 20 overs!

This year's tournament will start in April with over 1500 entries, involving some 20,000 young cricketers from youth squads around the country. Each team will be competing to take the 2003 title at the National Final on August 27th at Bournemouth.