MATT Spriegel's hopes of holding down a regular spot in the Brown Caps line-up have been given a boost - from an unlikely source.

The 22-year-old all-rounder has been sponsored by his local butcher, with free meat to help him maintain a healthy diet.

But the Banstead star will have to earn his food, as the amount he gets will depend on how well he does out in the middle.

Tadworth butcher Chris Chapman came up with the idea after chatting to Spriegel's mum when she came into his shop.

He said: "I love all ball sports and as Matt and his family live locally so I wanted to help in whatever way I could.

"I always read about the team's progress in the Surrey Mirror and know they have been under-performing for some time.

"But Chris Adams has come in and told them they need to be fitter and part of that is to get more protein and lean meat."

Chapman, who runs Chapman and Sons Butchers, Crossroad, Tadworth, said the good quality meat was essential for top sportsmen.

"They say an army marches on its stomach and it is true. Eating the right things makes a big difference and if we can give Matt that extra five per cent it will have been worth it."

And Chapman has worked out a complicated formula for how much food will be finding its way onto the Spriegel dinner table.

"I think a catch will equal a chicken breast while every wicket will make his bit of steak that bit bigger.

"Lots of runs will be good too as that gets him pork and lamb."