Whimple Cricket Club has announced the signing of New Zealand cricketer Fraser Campbell for the 2024 season.
The right arm fast/medium bowler and middle order bat joins from Derbyshire's Whitwell Cricket Club.
He was noted for his performance in batting, fielding, and bowling.
Well-known in New Zealand, Mr Campbell is a player for Grafton United CC Premiers in the Auckland Premier League.
He continues to also represent the New Zealand National Ma'ori Tournament team.
With such experiences, his contribution is expected to be significant as Whimple vies for promotion from D Division East.
As a reflection of the club's ambition, the signing comes in line with Whimple’s newly agreed club development plan aiming to reach B Division within five years.
This strategy not only highlights the push to improve 1st XI cricket but also structures the growing youth pathway to adult cricket, women's cricket, amongst other avenues.
Vice chairman and recently-appointed head of cricket, Duncan McConachie, led the charge on the club's development plan.
The club members were briefed about the plan at the annual general meeting for their insights, with the final sign-off scheduled for a committee meeting in early 2024.
Mr McConachie stressed that Whimple is more than just a cricket club.
Aside from its regular adult and junior cricket programs, the club introduced a disability cricket program and launched ladies softball cricket for the first time this season.
He firmly believes in "the potential to develop the standard of cricket at Whimple".
Mr Campbell is set to arrive in Whimple by mid-April, in time for the new season.
His stint at the club is being sponsored by Envirovent, a promising manufacturer and supplier of domestic ventilation solutions.
In addition to the competitive cricket scene, Whimple Cricket Club places great emphasis on community involvement, providing cricket options for all ages and abilities.
It has training and competing teams for children from under 9s to under 14s.
For girls, Whimple partners with Ottery St Mary Cricket Club and competes as the OWLS.
The club also runs a Sunday and midweek social team for individuals seeking casual cricket practice.
In 2024, the 1st XI will be contesting in D Division East while the 2nd XI will challenge in F Division East.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here