GRANGE are celebrating a massive signing coup after snapping-up Preston Mommsen from capital rivals Carlton.

The Scotland captain is making the cross-city switch in time to help the national champions defend their Eastern Premier crown.

John Blain, Grange�s director of cricket, declared: �Preston will add further experience, knowledge and huge quality to the club.

�He is one of the leading batsmen in the country and is obviously going to be a major asset on the field of play.�

However, Mommsen has also been earmarked for a key coaching role as ambitious Grange aim for a period of domestic dominance.

Blain added: �We have many talented youngsters coming through at the club and a recently established Academy structure.

�Preston will play a big part in bringing our young cricketers through and will be an inspirational figure.�

Mommsen, who will lead Scotland at next month�s T20 World Cup in India, was a member of the Carlton team which won the final SNCL title in 2011 and admitted it was a wrench to leave the Grange Loan outfit.

He said: �It was an incredibly tough decision to leave Carlton. The club has played a huge part in my development both as a player, and as a person.

�There were numerous people at the club who had a significant impact on my career and I�d particularly like to thank Fraser, Drummo, Gillie, Cedric and Jamie for all they did.

�I believe the time was right for a change, and I am really excited to be joining the Grange this summer.

�There are some quality youngsters coming through the club and I am looking forward to being able to play a part in their development, and furthermore help contribute to the ongoing success of the club.

�I've had some really positive initial discussions with Blainy - he clearly has a brilliant vision for the club. It's an exciting time at the club and I'm grateful to now be a part of it.�

Grange launch their Eastern Premier title defence at Falkland on April 30.