Yorkshire Phoenix's day-night match against Lancashire Lightning at Headingley on Thursday, August 12, is to be sponsored by York-based financial services company CGU Life, who also sponsor the National Cricket League in which the game will be played.

The first floodlit Roses match to be staged at Headingley drew a 10,000 crowd last August, despite it clashing with Leeds United's opening home Premier League fixture, and an even bigger gate is anticipated this time for the Division One clash.

Yorkshire's director of marketing, Mark Newton, said: "Lancashire won last year's contest but we are delighted to have secured the generous support of CGU Life in our attempt to stop Lightning striking twice.

"CGU's generosity will enable us to expand on last season's successful match day format which saw us voted runners-up in the National Family Award.

"Our promotional efforts will bring in many new spectators and we want to make sure they enjoy their experience at Headingley so much they will become regular supporters."

In addition, CGU will be sponsoring the new family entertainment area outside the marquee at all remaining CGU NCL matches at Headingley this season.

Mark Bloodworth, head of communications at CGU Life, said: "The new CGU National Cricket League and the excitement it is generating should open up a new era for county cricket.

"If the game is to flourish, then it is vital to attract women and younger people and Yorkshire's family entertainment area is an important step in helping this happen."

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