Friday, 27 July 2012

Mercedes-Benz of Cheltenham & Gloucester Support Murali and Cricket Festival

Mercedes-Benz of Cheltenham & Gloucester spun into action to support Murali and the Festival

It doesn’t happen very often, but Sri Lankan cricketing legend Muttiah Muralitharan was ‘hit for six’ with the support he received from Mercedes-Benz of Cheltenham & Gloucester during his recent successful spell with the Gloucestershire Gladiators.

Gloucestershire Cricket was equally bowled over with the backing that the Staverton retailer provided as one of the corporate partners for the Brewin Dolphin Cheltenham Cricket Festival, which concluded on Sunday 22 July.

During his stay for the Friends Life t20 campaign, ‘Murali’ had use of a Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate which, like Mercedes-Benz of Cheltenham & Gloucester, he certainly found to be very accommodating.

“Even when I was young, I always wanted to drive a Mercedes-Benz because they are considered to be the best cars in the world,” said Muttiah. “Although I would have loved a two-door Mercedes, the Estate is a lovely car and was perfect for carrying all of my cricket equipment.

“Once again I thoroughly enjoyed my stay with Gloucestershire, where I was made to feel most welcome by the club, its supporters and organisations like Mercedes-Benz of Cheltenham & Gloucester,” he added. “Reaching the quarter-finals of the t20 was fantastic and it means that I’ll be able to keep the car a little bit longer.” Murali will be part of the team taking on Sussex Sharks in tonight’s Friends Life t20 Quarter-Final at Hove.

Gloucestershire played two four-day fixtures and three one-day matches during the 2012 Brewin Dolphin Cheltenham Cricket Festival, where Mercedes-Benz of Cheltenham & Gloucester lined up alongside Brewin Dolphin and Abercrombie & Kent as sponsors.

“Like the Club, Mercedes-Benz has a rich history dating back more than 120 years and, like our other Festival partners, they are a prestige brand and a premium company to be associated with and we were delighted to have them on board,” said Kevin Ashley, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club’s Commercial Manager.

Steve Lyons, Dealer Principal, at Mercedes-Benz of Cheltenham & Gloucester, added: “As the highest wicket-taker in both test cricket and one-day internationals, Muttiah is a sporting legend and we were thrilled to have the opportunity of supporting him.

“We were equally pleased to be involved with the Festival, which is a major event on the local calendar and maintains our involvement with the community around our business.”