It's an opening partnership which has given the cricket campaign a Champagne flavour for several seasons.And once more the Mercury is delighted to team up with Hansells Solicitors and Financial Advisers to launch a season-long search to find the area's best batsman and bowler of the year.

It's an opening partnership which has given the cricket campaign a Champagne flavour for several seasons.

And once more the Mercury is delighted to team up with Hansells Solicitors and Financial Advisers to launch a season-long search to find the area's best batsman and bowler of the year.

The ever-popular Hansells Roll of Honour adds extra competitive incentive to the cricket season - culminating in a Champagne reception hosted by Hansells where each of the season's winners is presented with a cheque for £75 and a certificate.

“The Roll of Honour is a wonderful concept because all cricketers compete on a level playing field,” said Hansells managing partner Roger Holden.

“Whatever standard a player competes at, of whatever age, if they have a really good day they are in with a chance of being crowned batsman or bowler of the year.

“It is interesting, when we talk to the winners, to find out just how many were spurred on by the knowledge that they were closing in on the best figures.”

Richard Willner, Archant's head of sport, expressed his delight that the roll of honour feature will be running in all seven of the weekly titles the company publishes in Norfolk and north Suffolk.

“We are thrilled to have Hansells on board as our sponsorship partners. This is the eighth year of the Hansells Roll of Honour.

“Their generosity in providing the prize money and organising the prestigious Champagne reception at the end of the season is very much appreciated. It all adds up to a very attractive incentive for local cricketers,” said Willner.

The winning figures must be attained in a bona fide league or cup match for a team within the circulation area of the newspaper.

The scores must be part of a report or scorecard submitted by a club official. Email us, or drop hard copy into an Archant office, making a separate note highlighting any notable efforts.

Last year's winners were Chris Farrant (Mellis) 230no and Daniel Key (Hingham Pirates) 8-7.