Bideford clinch improved sponsorship deal with Westward IT

Photo: Back row l to r: Cameron Atkinson, Steve Bond, Martin Stewart, Mike Lemmings, Ben Perry, James Ford. Front: Alex Hannam, Ollie Hannam, Paul Heard, Mat Lemmings (Westward IT), Tom Brend, Jack Ford

BIDEFORD’S players have new names on their shirts this season thanks to a sponsorship deal with a local IT company.

Westward IT, a commercial IT support and consultancy company, has been sponsoring the Colts Academy for a number of years.

The Torrington-based company and has further committed to the club by sponsoring not just the Westward IT Ground but the players as well.

Mat Lemmings, from Westward IT said it was a natural extension of support for the club.

“Having supported the club for four years, it's a pleasure to be able to extend our sponsorship to encompass the first-team players in addition to our existing ground-naming rights and advertising,” said Lemmings.

“Bideford Cricket Club is one of several North Devon community groups and organisations we support and we look forward to developing our relationship further in the years to come. “Here's to a successful 2019 season!”

Rod Hannam, the club chairman, said having a committed sponsor freed the club to get on with the job of delivering cricket.

“Like most cricket clubs, we do our best to support the local community with coaching and all sorts of opportunities for local children to get involved with the sport,” said Hannam.

“This new sponsorship with Westward IT means we can concentrate on things we are good at like that, instead of worrying about how we are actually going to deliver these opportunities.”