THE Bolton Cricket League have renewed their sponsorship agreement with local firm Warburton's.

The company has agreed to back the league for a further three seasons, a decision that has delighted officials.

"We are very happy with the news," said League President Peter Stafford.

"We enjoy a mutually rewarding association with Warburton's and hope that the arrangement will continue into the foreseeable future."

One other new deal, however, has been rejected.

A sportswear manufacturer approached several leagues with the idea of wearing coloured clothing for cup competitions, in the same way that first class cricket does for one-day competitions,

Initially the cost to each team proved a stumbling black and although it was argued that could be offset by attracting sponsorship, the league committee voted to block the move.

The Bolton Association were also invited by the company to consider the move but they too decided against it, although the Northern League have agreed to the idea for one of their cup competitions.

A derby tie between Westhoughton and Horwich looks to be the pick of the round following the draw for the Hamer Cup.

The full draw is: Astley Bridge v Farnworth, Egerton v Walkden, Greenmount v Bradshaw, Heaton v Little Lever, Tonge v Farnworth SC, Westhoughton v Horwich. Byes: Eagley and Kearsley.

The second teams' Birtwistle cup first round has the same pairings but with venues reversed.

The draw for the Lyddon Trophy is: Astley Bridge v Kearsley, Egerton v Horwich, Farnworth v Bradshaw, Greenmount v Little Lever, Walkden v Heaton,Westhoughton v Farnworth SC.

League chairman Mike Hall and vice-chairman Derek Kay were both unanimously re-elected by the league committee.