BARTESTREE & Lugwardine Cricket Club have taken a big step forward by signing their first overseas player.

Australian all-rounder Ben Chaplin will spend the summer with the villagers, playing for the first team and helping coach both the seniors and juniors.

"Ben is a top order bat and a medium pace right arm bowler, playing his cricket in the North Sydney 2nd grade," said Bartestree & Lugwardine secretary Nigel Shore.

"He has the equivalent of the ECB Level 2 coaching qualification.

"He works as a lifeguard and gym instructor, and is a really nice guy.

"Our intention in bringing Ben over is to reinforce our firsts and add some sparkle, so that our own excellent developing youngsters can play in a confident and winning environment, and learn from someone with real class.

"Our aim is for promotion to Worcestershire County Cricket League Division 2, and to end the season with a much improved and maturing 1st XI."

Shore added that Chaplin will arrive in mid-April and will be living with one of their members in Lugwardine, who has offered him accommodation.

The 28-year-old will not be paid by the club.

"Ben will be around the club pretty much full time and will participate in all the Junior training, bringing extra skills and inspiration," added Shore.

The club are now on the look-out for a decent bike that Chaplin can use over the summer.

If you can help, email b_lcc@btinternet.com

Meanwhile, Bartestree & Lugwardine have signed a partnership deal with Strollers Cricket Club

Coaches from Strollers will help with junior training at Bartestree, while older players at Bartestree's junior section will get the chance to experience senior cricket with both clubs.

Strollers, who play in Division 4 of the GB Liners Marches League, are now based in Fownhope, meaning they will be close neighbours of Bartestree.