Church Cricket Club have snapped up former Rishton paid man Saeed Anwar as professional for the 2011 season.
The 31-year-old Pakistan cricketer has been a most consistent all-round performer over a number of years in both the Lancashire and Central Lancashire Cricket Leagues and brings a wealth of experience to West End.
Apart from 2009, Saeed has played local league cricket since 2002 and during that time he has amassed 7.994 league runs and 470 league wickets.
As professional at Rishton Cricket Club in 2007 and 2008 he made a total of 2933 runs and 156 wickets in just two seasons – and helped Rishton to the league championship.
Church captain Andrew Bentley said: "Saeed has been one of the most consistent all-round performers in local league cricket for a number of years and we are looking forward to welcoming him to Church next season.
"We feel Saeed will make a big impact both on and off the field and that with him as professional Church will, hopefully, be in a position to challenge for honours.
"He has also asked to be involved at all levels of junior coaching and is especially keen to assist our youth players in making the transition into the senior teams.
"Saeed recognises the talent at the club and is confident that with his contribution and input Church will improve on this years’ fifth position in the league.
"As the club looks forward to welcoming Saeed to Church next year it would also like to recognise and thank the outgoing professional Luke Woodcock for his contribution over the last two seasons"
New Zealander Woodcock has had a stop-start two seasons with Church, not arriving until late in the first season and then being called up to the Emerging Nations squad in Australia for a month last season.
Church are hoping they can challenge at the top of the table next season, after reaching the Twenty20 Cup final this summer and their second team won their league and the cup.
* ACCRINGTON have re-signed paid man Will Driver, Rishton have offered terms to last season’s paid man Andrea Agathagelou while Enfield are on the hunt for a new paid man.
