News release
24th June 2022

Merseyflow support boosts rising stars in local cricket club

Two young cricketing stars are benefitting from a boost thanks to a sponsorship deal from the Mersey Gateway and Silver Jubilee Bridge tolling provider, merseyflow.

The funding will give them the opportunity to train and represent Runcorn at a county level with Cheshire Youth Cricket County development teams.

Sarah O’Connor, aged 13, and Jamie-Lea Gray, aged 15, have been selected to take part in the Cheshire Youth Cricket County Girls Under 14 and Under 18 Development Teams respectively for the 2022 season.

The boost will help with purchasing the kit and fees needed for the girls to get the experience and training needed to potentially play at a first-class county level.

Runcorn Cricket Club has also received additional funding from merseyflow to support the club with essential purchases such as new kits for its T20 and Junior team kits, as well as re-netting structures to improve safety.

Neil Conway, Chief Executive Officer of merseyflow, said: “We’re pleased to continue our ongoing sponsorship of Runcorn Cricket Club again this year. Clubs like this play such an important role in supporting the local community and we’re happy we can continue helping to improve the club and its facilities.

“I’m delighted we were able to be involved in enabling the young players selected for the Cheshire Youth Cricket County Girls teams to represent Runcorn and showcase their excellent sporting ability at a county level. We are proud to help the two dedicated and talented girls fulfil their potential, and hope one day to see them representing their county ”

In 2021, merseyflow supported Runcorn Cricket Club with sponsorship to purchase new wicket covers, team kits and improve its shower facilities.

Chris Royle, Secretary of Runcorn Cricket Club, said: “As a self-funded club we rely solely on volunteers and donations from companies like merseyflow, so to receive this type of sponsorship makes a huge difference to us and the players here in Runcorn. In particular, I know that Sarah and Jamie-Lea are grateful for merseyflow’s support and are very much looking forward to benefitting from the additional coaching and experience that the sponsorship will give them access to.”