Ambitious RH Corstorphine have pulled off a major coup by becoming the first Scottish cricket club to attract a sponsorship deal from a major UK-wide company.

The Edinburgh-based outfit will be backed by Betfair, the country's biggest online bookies. And they aim to use the link-up to boost their quest to reach the SNCL Premier Division within the next few seasons.

Betfair already have strong links with cricket in England, having been deeply involved in the 2005 Ashes series triumph. They continue to to sponsor the grounds on the Test match circuit, however the Corstorphine venture will be their first north of the border.

Delighted RHC vice-president Nick Adams said: "It is a huge honour for a small cricket club to have the support of a company as big as Betfair and we will do everything we can on and off the pitch to make the most of the backing.

"When Betfair backed the historic Ashes campaign three years ago, England produced a string of memorable performances - and we would love to imagine they will have a similar influence on our fortunes. We have already made a powerful start to our SNCL Second Division promotion drive - so perhaps Betfair HAVE backed another winner!"

Betfair spokesman Andy Lulham declared: "We spend a lot of money supporting Test cricket in England, but this is a step into the unknown for us. We are always open to new ideas and were impressed by the professional approach taken by RH Corstorphine in approaching us. We believe the deal represents good value for money and wish the club every success with their teams at every level for the rest of the season."

The initial four-figure deal runs until the end of the season, however both parties hope it will only be the start of a long-lasting tie-up.