By CONRAD SUTCLIFE
DEVON cricket’s longest-running knock out cup competition has an independent sponsor for the first time in its 87-year history.
Valeport Ltd, who manufacture precision monitoring equipment used in aquatic environments at their factory in Totnes, have stepped in to sponsor the Twenty20 Brockman Cup.
Clubs all over South Devon have been contesting the Brockman Cup since 1933 when the Old Manorians defeated Inland Revenue in the first final at Torquay CC.
The Brockman family, who donated the cup, supported a number of sports from the 1930s onwards through a chain of hotels they owned in Torquay. The last one closed in the 1970s.
Valeport, one of the largest manufacturing companies in South Devon, has a long tradition of supporting grass-roots sport. Matt Quartley, the managing director of the firm, was quick to step in with an offer of support when he heard the Brockman Cup was looking for a sponsor.
Under the sponsorship deal, worth £1,000 over five years, the competition will known as the Brockman Cup sponsored by Valeport.
Sportsman Quartley, who plays cricket for Ipplepen and hockey for Dart, said he was delighted to step in.
“Short-form competitions such as the Brockman Cup, the Corinthian Cup and the Aaron Printers Cup are intrinsically important for the cricket community and it is important to keep them going,” said Quartley.
“Valeport has supported many clubs and organisations in the past – hockey, rugby, cricket and rowing – and I am pleased we can support the Brockman Cup as well.”
Tim Chapman, the chairman of the Brockman Cup committee, said Valeport’s support will ensure the future of the competition for several years.
Chapman added: “Costs are always rising for competitions such as ours and Valeport’s generous sponsorship means we won’t have that financial worries at the back of our minds.”
Valeport Ltd, which celebrated its 50thyear in business in 2019 with a visit from HRH Princess Anne, employs around 100 staff and occupies three sites on the quayside at Totnes.
At the last count the company turned over more than £9million and exported its products to 88 countries.
