YORK Cricket Club have announced a new three-year headline sponsorship deal with Hunters.

The city-based estate agent, which also sponsors the York & District Senior League, has replaced development company Grantside, who had supported the side for the last four years.

Club secretary Nick Kay said the impact of a main sponsor “could not be underestimated” and that the Shipton Road outfit would be “in a very difficult position” without one.

“Financially finding a main sponsor is one of the biggest problems facing cricket clubs in the country,” he explained.

“We have a groundsman to support and levies to pay and we are always trying to improve our facilities and nets.

“Our chairman Nigel Durham met with Kevin Hollinrake of Hunters and he said he wanted a bigger involvement at Clifton Park.

“They thrashed out favourable terms and we are delighted to have them on board. Their support will be invaluable.”

Hunters began its association with the club with a couple of advertising boards at Clifton Park but that has increased with the company being one of the shirt sponsors last season.

It follows Grantside and, before that, Costcutters as York’s main sponsor and joins a club that has been dominant in the Solly Sports Yorkshire ECB County Premier League – winning the title for the seventh straight season last year.

Kay added: “It is a three-year deal and they will be putting in place a number of ideas and initiatives for the club that will benefit us and themselves.”