West Indies star, Phil Simmons, has given his support to all the teams participating in the Western Union Cricket Trophy, a tournament intended primarily for West Indian heritage teams, on the eve of the round robin stage of the competition (Sunday, 27 May).

The former West Indies and Leicestershire all rounder, who holds the record for the most economical figures by a bowler, a dream 10 over spell against Pakistan at Sydney which included 8 maidens and 4 wickets for only 3 runs, was quick to give his backing to the Western Union Cricket Trophy.

Phil said: "Having played for the West Indies for several years it is great for me to support a national cricket competition which encourages players from all backgrounds to play the game. It should be a wonderful competition that will entertain cricket fans up and down the country, and I would like to wish every team participating the very best of luck."

This season's competition, formerly known as the Clive Lloyd Cup, was officially launched at the North Middlesex C.C. ground in April this year, where West Indian cricketing legend, Joel Garner, was unveiled as the tournament's patron.

Garner said: "It's a great honour to be associated with the Western Union Cricket Trophy, which is playing a role in establishing the West Indies as a cricket force again. It promises to be a great breeding ground for aspiring cricketers whilst providing some top class entertainment."

24 clubs have entered this year's competition, which is divided into eight groups of three teams for a round robin stage. The top two teams from each group then progress to the knock out stages with the final being played at Dagenham on 2nd September 2001, where the winners will walk away with £3,000 prize money.

Former first-class cricket stars who are participating in this year's Western Union Cricket Trophy include Ricardo Anderson (Essex), Darren Foster (Somerset), Gary Headley (Glamorgan), Carlos Remy (Sussex) and Frank Griffiths (Surrey). Gloucestershire star Mark Alleyne is also one present player who has previously played in the competition.

Paul Foster, Western Union's marketing manager for Northern Europe, said: "Western Union's sponsorship of the Western Union Cricket Trophy further demonstrates our intention to support cricket at all levels in this country. It is great to be involved with such a high level of cricket which will hopefully unearth a few stars of the future."

Teams participating in the Western Union Cricket Trophy are as follows:

Group A
• Sheffield Carribbean C.C.
• West Bowling C.C.
• Huddersfield C.C.

  Group B

• Sutton C.C.
• B.O.C.A
• Lambeth Enterprise C.C.

  Group C

• Milton Keynes C.C.
• Luton Caribbean C.C.
• Hawks Combined C.C.

  Group D

• BWIA Cavaliers (London) C.C.
• Leyton County C.C.
• Wilkinson Way C.C.

  Group E

• Fords C.C.
• Barking C.C.
• Homewood Unity C.C.

  Group F

• Birmingham Cavaliers C.C.
• Wycombe West Indians C.C.
• Birmingham Cavaliers C.C.

  Group G

• Baileys XI C.C.
• Islands C.C.
• Lambeth C.C.

  Group H

• Tony Leslie's XI C.C.
• Shepherds Bush C.C.
• Bristol West Indians C.C.

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