A GROUP of York City fans have stretched their support across the sporting spectrum by backing one of Yorkshire’s rising cricket stars.

The Derwent Reds – followers of the Minstermen who take their name from their local pub, the Derwent Arms in Osbaldwick – are sponsoring York-born batsman Jack Leaning for the 2014 season, due to members having gone to school with or played alongside or against him.

The 20-year-old son of ex-City goalkeeper Andy Leaning made his first-class debut for Yorkshire last summer and spent the winter playing grade cricket in Sydney, having also been capped by England Under-19s.

Club members Sam Thompson, Olly Cambridge, Dave Fisher, Chris Bilton, Tom Young, Mike Horner, Nick Lawrie, Harry Middleton, Aaron Kirby, Andrew Hay, Tim Green, Neil Eshelby and Tom Guildford clubbed together for the sponsorship, with Derwent Arms landlady Sue King chipping in with the final share.

Club spokesman Hay said: “We thought it would be a nice gesture to sponsor Jack in his first capped season as we all know him.

“He is a massive talent and we will be going to some Yorkshire games to support him. We’re not just football fans, we’re cricket fans too and are proud of how Jack is progressing.”