THE highly-successful Berkshire Cricket Academy will once again have the valued support of the Westcoast company during 2017.

Joe Hemani, the owner of Westcoast, has generously agreed to extend his sponsorship for another year.

He recognises the wonderful contribution which the Academy has made to the county’s success since being set up four years ago.

Five graduates were included in the Berkshire 1st XI that won the Unicorns Counties Championship last season. Among them was all-rounder Euan Woods, who was voted man of the match when Berkshire defeated Lincolnshire at Wormsley to lift the title.

Henley player Woods was subsequently selected for Young England Lions and was their outstanding performer on their trip to the UAE.

The flow of young talent in the county shows no end of slowing, with the cream of the crop attending regular sessions at the Academy under the direction of head coach Tom Lambert.

The club’s director of cricket Danny Hall said: “Berkshire Cricket is extremely fortunate to have this valuable support, and once again we extend our gratitude to Westcoast.”

  • BERKSHIRE county players are swapping their cricket whites for running shoes to raise money for charity.

Skipper James Morris, his brother Richard, wicketkeeper Stewart Davison, Olly Wilkin, Michael Roberts, Andy Rishton, Euan Brock and Ali Raja are to run in the Wokingham Half Marathon on Sunday, February 12.

Dressed in superhero costumes, eight players will be raising funds for Build Africa.

James Morris said: “This is a charity the county has close links with, as it does fantastic work improving education in Africa. If you would like to support us, by then please donate.

“Thank you in advance for any donations. It is hugely appreciated by us, but more importantly, hugely important to the children in Africa that it will benefit.”

Donate via the Berkshire Cricket page at justgiving.com