FINANCIAL strife for a leading Dorset cricket club has been avoided after several companies stepped forward with vital sponsorship money.

Weymouth Cricket Club, of Dorset’s County Division One, had limited funds available to complete the upcoming 2021 season and the 2022 campaign.

JD Wetherspoons previously backed Weymouth as main sponsor but decided not to renew their multi-year contract.

However, Winfrith-based environmental services company Tradebe Inutec has agreed a two-year deal to become the Seasiders’ main sponsor.

Money received from Tradebe, whose logo will feature on match shirts for the 2021 and 2022 seasons, will go towards the Seasiders’ youth section and men’s first team.

In addition, Suttons Coffee Shop will sponsor the club’s training jerseys.

The Persimmon Homes logo will adorn players’ polo shirts after a £1,000 donation from their Community Champions scheme.

Accountancy firm Advoco is Weymouth’s match ball sponsor in 2021 and Dorset Trade Skills have backed the man-of-the-match award.

Weymouth chairman Simon Browne told Echosport: “The offer of sponsorship from Tradebe for this season is most welcome and reflects the efforts of all of the members at Weymouth CC to get some much needed funds into the club.

“The club is looking to consolidate their position within Dorset cricket and also to future proof this by increasing player numbers, especially within the youth system that club captain Harry Mitchell and the other club coaches are in the process of developing.

“Sponsorship money from Tradebe is integral to this, enabling the club to amongst other things, subsidise coaching courses for members to obtain qualifications, improve the club’s facilities and keep playing costs to a minimum.

“In a really difficult financial climate it is difficult to understate how much the contributions from Tradebe, Persimmon Homes, Dorset Trade Skills, Advoco and Suttons Coffee Shop will support the club going in to the new season.

“Additionally, the fact that these companies have invested in the club will show people that Weymouth CC is moving in the right direction and hopefully may attract new players and talent to the club.”

Weymouth open their County Division One campaign at rivals Portland Red Triangle on Saturday (1pm).