A SPONSORSHIP deal has been struck between the Medway Messenger newspaper and the Medway Snooker League. The competition will now be known as the Medway Messenger Snooker League and match details will appear in the paper every Friday.

The league, which currently has 24 teams in three divisions, involves around 160 players aged from 16 upwards. Throughout the league season, which runs from September 26 to May 9, there will be a team cup, an individual and pairs competition as well as a billiards tournament.

Medway Messenger Snooker League secretary Alan Ottey said: "We're absolutely delighted with the sponsorship and believe it will encourage more teams to come along and take part in the league, possibly even as many as 60.

"It's a very good standard with a highest break of 127 but the top players can often put together breaks of between 70 and 80."

Medway Messenger editor Bob Dimond was delighted a sponsorship deal had been agreed with the league. He said: "It shows the commitment of Medway Today and Medway Messenger to backing grass roots sport in the area."

Information from the league's matches will be in the Medway Messenger from next week.