Bready Cricket Club has announced the signing of their new overseas player/ coach. 27 year old South African Con De Lange  will replace Frikkie Holtzhausen who played with the club for two seasons.

Club spokesman Trevor Hamilton explained the rationale behind the appointment, "Con has played for the past 4 seasons in Scotland's Premier League averaging over 50 with bat and a miserly economy rate with his slow left arm bowling, and we feel he has the ideal credentials, which includes level 2 coaching, to help further develop our young squad."

De Lange played 73 games over four seasons with Ferguslie, scoring 2641 runs at exactly 52.82, and picked up 119 wickets at 14.98, having a best bowling analysis of 8-28. He helped Ferguslie to promotion to the SNCL in his first season, but despite his best efforts they were relegated last year after 3 seasons in the top flight.

"Up until this season Con played and captained the Cape Cobras in South Africa’s Franchise first class cricket, but this season he has moved to the Free State Eagles and is their main spin bowler, who normally bats 8, but has also opened the batting on occasions."

His first class statistics show him averaging just over 22 with the bat, while he has 142 wickets at just over 37 with the ball. His List A average with the ball is much better, as his 98 wickets have come at a cost of 29.73.

With many North West clubs opting not to bring an overseas player this year, why were Bready bucking the trend?

Hamilton elaborated, "Although, some clubs have opted not to employ an overseas pro this year, the club has thought it essential we bring an overseas pro back to continue the work which has been done by all of our previous overseas professionals - that is going into schools and introducing children and encouraging them to play cricket at an early age, take part in Friday night youth coaching, and take part in The Spar Summer Cricket Camp, which is open to all under age cricketers."

He continued, "With the club now having 5 teams playing in the North West Cricket Union Leagues, 2 teams playing in the Derry & Midweek leagues, plus underage teams ranging from U-11 to U-18, along with the Ladies team, who won the league last year, we feel it is crucial that Con will work along with Mark Olphert and his team of coaches to make sure we continue to give children the chance to play cricket, in the hope that they enjoy it and play cricket for many years to come."

How had the player come to the attention of the club?

"Con comes highly recommended by Wiaan Smit, a former player/coach at our club, who is still held in high regard through out the club and cricketing circles in the North West . We are looking forward to Con’s scheduled arrival with us during the week commencing 13th April, in time to take part in the pre-season matches and the official opening of our new facilities, details of which will be published within the coming month."