the year before.

And newly elected Western Counties Cricket Association president Keith Wainwright is hoping to build on that progress this summer.

Wainwright was voted into the hot seat at the organisation's annual general meeting this week, moving up from vice-president.

"Our attendance revenue doubled, it rose 100 percent over the previous year and we are encouraged by that,'' said Wainwright.

"But it still does not compare to the popularity of Eastern Counties. We will be looking to market the games more this season.'' The historic introduction of coloured kits at Western Counties matches last year, as well as other incentives to keep fans entertained, such as raffles, fun castles for youngsters and majorettes had all played their part in increasing attendances, said Wainwright, and they would continue.

"We also spent a lot of money on advertising matches and it did reap dividends,'' said Wainwright.

"We have five clubs and what I want to see this year is for each club to be more committed to getting family and friends to these games. That alone should bring in more than 150 people for each club. We should be looking for well over 500 people.'' Wainwright also felt the Western Counties clubs should be encouraged by the example of St. David's, who sealed a valuable sponsorship deal with Conyers, Dill and Pearman last week.

Company representatives said they were sufficiently impressed by the club's programme to offer financial backing.

"I am of the belief that there is sponsorship money out there,'' said Wainwright. "What I would want to see as a sponsor would be a club with a good programme, that is organsied and that has its financial records in order.'' Lorrain Gomes, a new WACCA executive member, was voted in as vice-president, while secretary Cyndi Henderson and assistant secretary Sharon Virgil were both elected to serve a second term.

But the position of treasurer was left vacant. A vote to decide who will take over the post was deferred until a special meeting, which is expected to take place in late April or early May.

WESTERN COUNTIES DRAW First round -- Southampton Rangers (champions) v Somerset Bridge, July 7; Second round -- First round winners v Warwick, July 14; Third round -- Second round winners v PHC, August 25; Final round -- Third round winners v Willow Cuts, September 8.