BRITTON BAGS NEW BALL ROLE ON ROESIDE

Despite the eerily quiet close season in North West cricket circles Limavady have signalled their intention to be among the front runners in 2012 with the announcement that they have signed strike bowler Andy Britton from Fox Lodge.

The Roesiders experienced a difficult time of things in 2011 but they see Britton as the man who can provide the firepower to put them back in the senior title picture.

A spokesman for the club said "Limavady are delighted to be bringing Andy Britton to the John Hunter Grounds and feel that he will add real potency to the new ball options; an area in which the club has struggled for the past few seasons. Andy has progressed into a genuine all-rounder in the past few years and while his batting will no doubt come in useful during the summer, he is being brought into the side to concentrate fully on his bowling".

The 24-year old has played several times for Ireland "A" and was capped at full international level against Kenya in 2009 but hasn't always seemed fully focused on an International career.

Performances at club level have been much more impressive and the former Donemana recruit could revel alongside the likes of Andrew Riddles, Ricky McDaid and Des Curry at his new home. The signing obviously sends out a very clear message from Limavady and the spokesman also suggested that Britton may not be the only new face on show this season.

By contrast of course, Britton's departure further weakens Fox Lodge's first team squad and with Brian Allen's side also set to take the stage without Darryl Brown, the Tyrone men's own aspirations now hinge on who they bring in as replacements. There seems much to deliberate on as the countdown now begins in earnest