Enfield Cricket Club have reacted quickly to the news their new professional wouldn’t be joining them by immediately snapping up a replacement.
The club were rocked by the news West Indian batsmen Lendl Simmons would not be on his way to Accrington for the new season.
The 26 -year-old opening batsman cited ‘personal reasons,’ believed to be the fact his young daughter is ill.
Simmons, nephew of former West Indies all-rounder Phil Simmons, averaged 33.77 with the bat in first class cricket and had international experience, featuring in three Tests against England in 2009.
Club captain Adam Bracewell said: "It was disappointing.
"There was big excitement around the club with him being an international player.
"People were really looking forward to playing with him."
However, the club have announced the signing of South African Werner Coetsee of the Highveld Lions and Bracewell says the speed of his signing is a positive for the club.
"It’s all been sorted really quickly. It took us under a day to sign Werner so it’s good to have it all settled and we can plan for the new season now."
A right handed middle order batsman, and off break bowler, 27-year-old Coetsee has scored 2,968 first class runs, including three centuries at an average of 29.7 since making debut in 2003.
He also has 172 wickets at an average of 34.2, with a career best of 7-48.
He is no stranger to league cricket in Lancashire having played for Morecambe in 2007 and been filling in as sub professional at Ramsbottom, Accrington, Todmorden and Nelson.
His best performance was arguably for Nelson against Todmorden when he took 6-35 and scored an unbeaten 54.
"He’s predominantly a bowler but he also averages around 30 so he can definitely hold a bat" said Bracewell.
"He’s also keen to get involved with the coaching side of things which is great."
Bracewell was the club’s professional last season and says the fact they have a new pro will allow him to focus on getting his form back.
"My form wasn’t what it should have been. I think, the pressure did get to me at times.
"It’ll be good this season to concentrate on captaining the side.
"We’ve got a few new players in and everyone is really confident.
"We want to at least a win cup."
