We’ll drink to that!

Pictured toasting the new deal are, from left to right: Alan Wright (CLL secretary), John Cleary (president), William Lees-Jones, Howard Dronsfield (chairman), Dean Redfearn (J W Lees sales director), Neville Fletcher (deputy chairman).

BREWERS John Willie Lees have finalised a deal to sponsor the CLL's Wood Cup for a further five years.

And once the new contract expires in 2013, the brewery will have invested over £250,000 in the CLL's knock-out competition over a 30-year period.

Brewery managing director William Lees-Jones announced the new package – an undisclosed five-figure sum – during a special dinner at the White Hart, Lydgate, to celebrate the 25th year of their sponsorship.

Invited to the dinner were 125 guests who included league and brewery officials, umpires and representatives from the 16 clubs.

Many of those had made special contributions to the Wood Cup.

They included 74-year-old Cec Wright who joined Crompton in 1959 and is still playing for Uppermill in the Saddleworth League.

Former Lancashire and India wicket-keeper Farokh Engineer was the guest speaker.