Palace Shield hat-trick for Seasiders
Stanley Park Blackpool is the new home for three Palace Shield cricketers |
Blackpool CC have a hat-trick of new recruits from the Palace Shield as they look forward to the 2009 season.
Right-handed opening batsman John Mouncey has been netting with the club in winter practice and has joined up from BAC/EE Preston. Last season Mouncey scored 500 runs at an average of 26.32 with a highest score of 65.
All rounder Andy Furniss is an accomplished right-handed top order batsman and right medium bowler. For Fylde CC in 2008 he scored 643 runs at 42.87 with a highest score of 111no and also collected 40 wickets at 17.25.
Slow left arm bowler Ashit Jariwala finished third in the Palace Shield bowling averages in 2008. He collected 50 wickets at an average of 13.34 for Penwortham.
"We are excited by the potential of the three players and by the way they have already fitted into the club," said a Blackpool CC spokesperson. "All three players approached the club with a view to testing themselves in Northern League cricket."
Blackpool CC expect Sri Lankan professional Sajeewa Weerakoon to arrive in good time for the season's opener against Morecambe on 18 April.
The previous weekend (11/12 April) Blackpool have arranged friendly games against Walsden and Colne.
Apart from the new recruits and the departed Luis Reece, who has moved to Leyland, the composition of the Blackpool CC side will be as in 2008.
Paul Danson continues as First XI captain and Steven Mercer replaces AM Griffiths as Second XI skipper.
