FOR the first time in its 114 year history, the Craven and District Cricket League will carry the name of a sponsor in the 2002 season.

The Skipton firm of solicitors, J P Mewies & Co have agreed to a one-year sponsorship deal and will review the association at the end of the season.

"We have never really sought support in the past, but all clubs are now welcoming any kind of backing in increasingly difficult financial circumstances," says League Fixture Secretary, Trevor Coe.

"The sponsorship will be used for the benefit of all the clubs in the league, with part of the funding being set aside to send one young player to the Scarborough Summer School.

"The creation of the J P Mewies Craven League reflects the changing face of sports administration, the need for clubs to uncover every available revenue stream and the generosity of a local concern in wanting to support the activities of the league."

That the firm should be the first to sponsor the league was entirely appropriate given its links with the sport in Craven via the involvement of current partner John Mewies and his late father.

"Both myself and my father played for Bradley and I've always had a keen interest in the affairs of the league," says John Mewies. "It's quite a while now since I played and, on reflection, I probably stopped playing prematurely.

"But I appreciate how hard it is for clubs to make ends meet and if our sponsorship alleviates the need for clubs to pay subscriptions, which I believe is the intention, then it should help."