CRICKET: BERKSWELL have made two key signings ahead of their Birmingham Premier League title defence after landing Ryan Sidebottom and Alex Hepburn.
Both players have made the move to Berkswell to strengthen an already star-studded line-up that won the title last season.
Sidebottom joins from Melbourne off the back of a brilliant season in 1st Grade cricket where he was the joint leading wicket taker in the league.
The 27-year-old previously took 45 wickets in just 16 games and is now keen to impress in his first season in the Birmingham Premier League.
“I am really excited to be coming over to play for Berkswell,” said Sidebottom.
“I know Dan “Franky” Worrall who played for them in 2015 as he is also from Victoria and I have heard so many good things about the club, the people and the area – I can’t wait to get started.”
The other big recruit is Worcestershire contracted player Hepburn who at just 21 is young and hungry to prove he has what it takes to be a star in the Birmingham Premier League after signing from Division One side Barnards Green.
He too has been plying his trade in Australia this winter for Willetton in Perth and represents an excellent all round option for the club.
Berkswell captain, Dominic Ostler, is buoyant ahead of the 2017 season. He said: “I am really excited with the new signings we have made this year.
“We have a really good squad of 15-16 players now and hopefully that can see us replicate a superb 2016 season.”
Club chairman, Patrick Milnes, added: “We are delighted to welcome both Ryan and Alex to the club and we hope they will enjoy this new challenge. Hopefully we can make it back to back titles.”
Berkswell begin their season with a Graham Williamson Trophy First Round match away at Wolverhampton on Saturday.
