Coke continue cricket sponsorship

Coca-Cola will sponsor the Graham Cup once again

The Northern Cricket Union's Graham Cup competition will be sponsored for a fourth year by Coca-Cola.

The competition is the most prestigious of local cricket's underage club competitions and is played at the U15 age level.

It also is the oldest cup played for by under age players with a history dating back to 1927.

The new package was announced by Jonathan Gates, events manager Coca-Cola.

Roy Harrison, President of the NCU and a former losing finalist in the competition back in 1954 when the current holders Cliftonville were victorious said it was a "great pleasure" for him to acknowledge the renewal of this sponsorship.

The first round draw has thrown up a real battle of the titans and in a mirror of the second round of the Senior Cup pitches the holders and winners for the last three years Cliftonville against last season's Under 15 League winners Ballymena.

Graham Cup 2001 1st Round (by May 4): (A) Cooke Collegians v Waringstown, (B) Derriaghy v Armagh, (C) Ballymena v Cliftonville, (D) Bangor v CIYMS, (E) Downpatrick v Donacloney, (F) Carrickfergus v Ards, (G) Larne v Muckamore, (H) Dunmurry v Templepatrick, (I) North Down v Woodvale.

2nd Round (by May 18): (1) Saintfield v Cregagh, (2) Lisburn v Instonians, (3) NICC v Laurelvale, (4) Lurgan v I, (5) A v G, (6) B v D, (7) C v H, (8) E v F.