Western Counties Cricket Association (WCCA) have received a shot in the arm from sponsors. And if all goes according to plan, more cash could follow.

WCCA president Wendell White disclosed yesterday that the association had been given over $6,000 in sponsorship from Bermuda Motors and talks were ongoing with a view to bring more sponsors onboard as attempts continue to further promote the annual summer classic.

The donations will be used, among other schemes, to help revamp the junior counties competition. Burrows Lightbourn Limited are the current sponsors of the junior Western Counties, which gets underway on July 19. The senior series begins this Saturday at White Hill Field where holders Somerset Bridge open their defence against Willow Cuts.

White, who will suit up as a guest player for Cuts, took over from former president Keith Wainwright who resigned just prior to the start of this season.

"We are very pleased to have received a big boost from Bermuda Motors on behalf of Toyota and it's a pleasure to see that a lot of companies out there are willing to get onboard," said White.

"Basically, this money is going to be used to improve the Western Counties, especially in the junior department because they are the future cricketers in the country. So we intend to put a lot of emphasis and a lot of time into the youth. That's basically what we are going to do with the sponsorship and this is not a short term plan."

White said new incentives were being explored, including a possible tour of the Caribbean by a Western Counties select next year.

"We are looking forward to having a good opening ceremony on Saturday," he added. "We are going to have the sponsors' names painted on the field and also the show is being opened by the PHC majorettes at 9.15 while the Portuguese dancers (Sweet Girls) will be dancing on the field during the interval."

Various gate prizes will also be announced during the water breaks and following the match while fun castles, games and refreshments will be provided for children.

"There will be a lot of giveaways and prizes at the water breaks and raffles at lunchtime," White added. "In all we have a good show planned so we encourage everyone to come out and lend their support.

"Burrows Lightbourne are sponsoring all of the refreshments and drinks after the match for the players and they are giving us additional prizes to give away at every match."