A POOL team has been stunned by a brewery's decision not to sponsor them in a prestigious final - even though they play under their name.

Blackburn Thwaites is one of four teams from East Lancashire who have potted their way to the national county pool finals.

They will be competing with teams from 95 other counties for £9,600 prize money at Great Yarmouth.

The total cost of the final on April 20 and April 21 for the 12-strong team is around £500.

Blackburn Thwaites captain John Guittard contacted bosses at the brewery a month ago to see if they could help meet the cost of the £120 mini-bus hire, but they refused.

Derek Haworth, landlord of the Fox and Hounds, a Thwaites pub at Ewood, where the team plays its home games, has also failed in a last-ditch attempt to persuade brewery bosses into a change of heart.

Mr Guittard said: "A few years ago, when we last reached the final, Thwaites did give us some shirts and a bit of cash.

"For the last 12 months, we haven't asked them for a penny. But now, when we want just a little bit of help, they turn us down.

"I can't understand it because we will be promoting the brewery at a national level.

"I am a little bit disappointed with Thwaites, especially when you consider they are getting their name in the national finals programme."

A Thwaites spokesman said: "We plough an enormous amount of money into supporting a wide cross section of causes, particularly charity and sport, throughout the area.

"The brewery receives hundreds and hundreds of requests and we endeavour to help as many as we possibly can. But we do not have a bottomless pit of funds available.

"We backed the pool team on a previous occasion when they reached the final as a goodwill gesture but feel unable to do so this time."

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