RISHTON Cricket Club have snapped up highly rated South African all-rounder Vernon Philander.
The 20-year-old plays for Cape Cobras and has been tipped by Alan Dawson and Allan Donald as a "great propect in South African cricket."
"Once we knew Kumar Dharmasena wasn't coming back, we spoke to a couple of agents and drew up a list and he was at the top," said Rishton chairman Rod Simpson.
"He is rated very highly and the only problem is that he may be called up to the South African A squad but it is a risk we are prepared to take.
"It has all happened very quickly with the contracts signed in two or three weeks and now we are looking forward to the season."
It is Philander's first spell in England. He is a right hand bat and a right hand medium fast bowler.
- RISHTON CC wish to send their condolences to the family of Derek Barden, a former Rishton CC treasurer of the social club, who died aged 70.
