Record deal for cup and shield sponsorship

Posted: April 20, 2007

Sovereign Health Care have delivered the JCT 600 Bradford League with a huge boost for the new season by announcing a record deal for the Priestley Cup and Shield competitions.

The extra money will go towards ensuring that the Priestley Cup final on August 12 will again be played in coloured clothing which will be provided for the two finalists.

This will be Sovereign Health Care's 11th season of sponsoring the knockout competitions and the increase in sponsorship underlines their tremendous support for the JCT 600 Bradford League.

Speaking after the deal had been confirmed at Thursday's meeting of the Management Board, chairman Graham Reid said: "This is excellent news for the league and reflects the outstanding working relationship we have with Sovereign Health Care and their chief executive David Lewis.

"David has been impressed with the way we have promoted the Cup and Shield competitions and he greatly enjoyed last season's Priestley Cup final when it was played in coloured clothing for the first time."

Another new innovation for the cup this season is that the draw will be held on the Saturday after each round is completed on the ground of one of the clubs still in the competition. The only exception will be after the third round when the semi-final draw will be made on Sunday, July 1 immediately after the ties are completed because there is just a two week gap to the next round.