League sponsors play on

Shropshire law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP is to sponsor the Shropshire Cricket League for a third consecutive year.

The law firm, which has offices in Shrewsbury, Telford and Bridgnorth, will continue to support the seven senior divisions and four junior divisions which is made up of 90 senior and 39 junior teams

"The Shropshire Cricket League is part of the social fabric of the county, providing recreational games for enthusiastic weekend cricketers, but also a vital springboard through to higher level cricket for younger players," said FBC Manby Bowdler partner Richard Barge, who also plays cricket for Tibberton.

A ten-year participant in the Shropshire Cricket League, Barge continued: "Following last summer's Ashes victory as well as the rise of the Twenty20 format, cricket is an increasingly popular sport.

"So through our continuing sponsorship we hope to help the Shropshire Cricket League encourage even more new players to come forward and take part in the game.

"The county has one of the highest participation rates in the UK - something which Shropshire can feel very proud of."

Ed Nicholas, league chairman, said: "The Shropshire Cricket League continues to go from strength to strength, but sponsorship remains vital to us, so we are delighted that we will be supported for a third year by FBC Manby Bowdler."

The new League cricket season starts on May 1.