CRICKET: Swindon boosted by Excalibur deal (From Swindon Advertiser)

CRICKET: Swindon boosted by Excalibur deal

6:00am Monday 18th March 2013 in Sport By Sam Morshead

SWINDON Cricket Club have received a major boost ahead of their WEPL Wiltshire Division season with the news that Excalibur Communications have become the County Ground side’s major sponsors.

Excalibur have invested a four-figure sum in associating themselves with the club, who are looking to rebuild after relegation from the Glos/Wilts Division last season.

The deal includes resource and marketing help from the firm, which already backs Swindon Town and Swindon Robins, and chief executive James Phipps is delighted to be a part of the cricket club’s plans to restore themselves to their former glory.

“I’m really keen to help them. They’re a really good bunch running it and to see it dwindle to where it is now is a crying shame, so I was more than pleased and more than willing to get involved straight away,” he said.

“I see it as really important and it’s a different kind of crowd that we’ve got with the football club and the speedway.

“When I took over a few years ago I looked to move the head office from Essex to Swindon, where I’ve lived all my life, and then we’ve gone around since then doing what we can for the local area.

“A lot of it is trying to bring kids into sport and give them a focus in life and a will to succeed. We’re trying to show people that, although it’s quite a tough climate out there, sport can be a good haven.

“For us it’s about trying to bring new people and new sponsors to the club. There’s no point in us writing a cheque and saying ‘come and love us’, it’s about helping the club.

“We know full well that we can help create more exposure for the club and that’s great for everyone”

A statement from Swindon secretary Keith Millar read: “Swindon Cricket Club is in the process of entering into a new partnership with Excalibur Communications.

“With the assistance of our sponsors, our management committee aim to provide the facilities and organisation to allow all members of the town and the surrounding area the chance to enjoy cricket.

“Club membership is open to all. We seek to attract players of all ages and abilities in order to encourage and nurture new talent. We intend to continually improve facilities and opportunities for all so that we improve standards of cricket in Swindon.”