NCU

Belfast jewellers, Gardiner Brothers, are continuing their association with the Northern Cricket Union as new sponsors of the NCU Women's senior leagues.

The Premier league will be known as the NCU Gardiner Brothers Women's Premier League. The sponsorship by Gardiner Brothers, who have supplied medals to the union for the last 25 years, also enables the introduction of awards for outstanding individual performances within the Women's Senior Leagues.

Photo – left to right; Clarence Hiles, NCU President, Angela Platt, NCU General Manager, Michael Warke, Gardiner Brothers.

The awards are for players who score 50 or take at least four wickets in the Premiership or the two sections of the Senior League. So far this season 9 players have qualified for awards for batting, headed by Hannah Grieve of Lurgan Ladies, courtesy of 109 not out in the Premier League.

Michael Warke, of Gardiner Brothers said: "We are committed to continue our sponsorship with the NCU, taking over the sponsorship of the woman's leagues is an exciting new prospect with the continuing increase in popularity and participation."

NCU chairman, Alan Waite said: "We are delighted that Gardiner Brothers have agreed to extend their partnership with the NCU through sponsorship of the Women's Senior Leagues. The provision of medals and individual awards is an essential part of the presentation process for both adult and youth cricket and we very grateful for their contribution"