Lisburn businessman Tommy Anderson was delighted when Ireland's cricketers qualified for the World Twenty20 Cup in Sri Lanka in September. He's always been an enthusiast of the short-form game - so much so that he's decided to sponsor the Northern Cricket Union's three T20 senior competitions.

"I've always been excited by the 20-over game and Ireland's qualification in Dubai has given it a terrific boost", says the managing director of Lagan Valley Steels Ltd of Lisburn.

It's a three year sponsorship and the company's name will be on the T20 Cup for the eight NCU Premiership clubs; the T20 Trophy for Section 1 clubs and T20 Shield for clubs in Sections 2 and 3.

Mr Anderson turned his company from small beginnings in two hay sheds to a seven and half acre site, making it one of the leading local suppliers of steel in markets home and abroad. And he's as well known in Ulster sporting circles as he is in business. He's a former chairman of Lisburn Distillery Football Club and over three years ago, along with two business friends, breathed new life into greyhound racing with a £3 million pound development at the club ground near Lambeg.

His cricket interests revolve around last year's Ulster Bank Challenge Cup winning club Waringstown. Although from Belfast, 64 year-old Mr Anderson joined as a teenage player and since 2000 he has been the club president. He says: "I'm delighted Lagan Valley Steels is able to support local cricket. The game has made remarkable strides in recent years and I have no doubt it will go from strength to strength."

The draws have already been made for the three competitions.
Cup holders North Down will be away to CIYMS in their first match of the T20 Cup with the top two teams in two groups going forward to the semi-finals.
The first games will be played on the May 7 Bank Holiday Monday and are:
Group A: CIYMS v North Down; Instonians v CSNI
Group B: Carrickfergus v Waringstown; Lisburn v Ballymena.

The top team in each of two three-strong groups will go through to the final of the T20 Trophy.
The clubs’ first games are:
Group Group A: Cliftonville v Lurgan (May 16); Muckamore v Cliftonville (May 30).
Group Group “B”: Downpatrick v Dundrum (May 16); Derriaghy v Downpatrick (May 31).

The T20 Shield will be a knock out competition from the start and the draw for the first round (on a date to be decided) is:
BISC vBISC v Millpark
Donaghadee v Cooke Collegians
Laurelvale v Victoria PSNI v Ards
Saintfield v Academy
Templepatrick v Portadown.
Armagh and Drumaness receive byes.

For further information please contact Bryan Milford 07828 182090