Institute in cricket club sponsor deal

GRIMSBY Town Cricket Club are preparing to celebrate their 111th anniversary in style after securing a sponsorship deal with the Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education for the 2010 season.

GTCC chairman John Hamnett, first team captain Richard Antcliffe and second team captain Dan Wood, who both attended a handover of the new 2010 kit at the Institute – are looking forward to a successful year.

Hamnett said: "The Institute is Grimsby's leading establishment for education.

"It seemed only natural for us, as the area's leading cricket club, to approach them for sponsorship, and hopefully form a partnership that can take the cricket club forward."

Hugh Callaway, the Institute's executive director of marketing and student recruitment, has been responsible for securing the sponsorship for the next three seasons.

He said: "Grimsby Town Cricket Club is one of the region's most prestigious clubs.

"Our sponsorship of the club is an ideal opportunity for the Grimsby Institute to further develop its strong links with the community and invest in a club that's very much a part of the sporting community of North East Lincolnshire."

Meanwhile, GTCC are on the lookout for new cricketers.

The club is hoping to attract players from all age groups, right down to nine and 10 year olds.

It is particularly hoping to hear from local players who might feel their game will benefit in a higher standard.

The club runs teams in the Lincs ECB Premier League, Division One of the Lincolnshire County League and a Sunday XI in the North Lindsey League.

On the junior front, GTCC run Under-11, 13 and 15 sides in the local junior leagues and are keen to attract year five and six children who would like to try out the sport.

The cricket committee has arranged indoor net sessions at Grimsby Institute Sports Hall. From February 14, adults and Under-15s will meet on Sunday afternoons, noon to 2pm. The Under-13s will meet on Sunday mornings (10.30am to noon) and Under-11s on Sunday mornings, 9am to 10.30am.

Anyone wanting more information can contact Richard Antcliffe, on 07837124115, for first XI enquiries; Dan Wood on 07739165712 for second string information; and Alan Coulbeck, on 07719752511, for the junior age groups.