with the announcement yesterday of ongoing funding from the corporate sector.

The money, provided by Ace Insurance, will be used to aid cricket programmes at both the St. George's and Somerset clubs and upgrade facilities.

But none of the parties involved were prepared to disclose how much cash would be forthcoming in the deal.

Brian Duperreault, chairman, president and chief executive of Ace would only say the sponsorship would be for more than one year: "It will enable Cup Match to move from a break-even situation to potentially realising profits which can be put back into the programmes,'' he said.

"From Ace's point of view we see this as a great opportunity to provide something for the community of a real material nature.

"We are pleased to be involved in an event that epitomises the best of Bermuda's sporting history, culture and tradition.'' Colin Smith, president of Somerset CC, said the partnership was timely with both clubs seeking to enhance the event with the 100th Cup Match just around the corner.

St. George's president Luis DeSilva added that the sponsorship would enable the club to become more family orientated.

"When our new committee took over, part of our purpose was to change the club from purely a working men's outfit to one more for the family. To do that we need to make our facilities better,'' he said.