New pro at Rammy by Nigel Stockley

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Player:

D Smit

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DateLine: 6th September 2013

 

Ramsbottom have signed South African Daryn Smit as their professional for 2014. The 29 year-old is captain of Nashua Dolphins and also the team's wicketkeeper.

 

Ramsbottom Cricket Chairman Andy Dalby said: "It was a really tough decision not to retain the services of Pieter Malan who was a popular professional with all the players and supporters.

 

"However, as a Cricket Committee we felt that to move this club forward we needed a professional who had the potential to not only score a large amount of runs but also take a good number of wickets during the season. -This would compliment current leading wicket-taker Jon Fielding who will be at the club in 2014, contrary to all the rumours.

 

"Daryn is a current Franchise player and a genuine leg-spin bowler. In 2009 he was Professional for Littleborough CC in the Central Lancashire League and scored over 1300 runs and took 78 wickets with his leg-spin.

 

"In the 2012-2013 season Daryn was also the Dolphins captain, further enhancing his credentials as a leader on the field.

 

"On speaking to Daryn, he is looking forward to the challenge and he has already spoken to ex-Ramsbottom Professional Faf Du Plessis about the club. As a club we thought long and hard about next season and the direction that we wanted to go. Daryn brings a wealth of experience with him and has already succeeded in club cricket in the Lancashire area."

 

During his spell at Littleborough in 2009, Smit stood in as sub professional for Lowerhouse against Enfield hitting an unbeaten 79 and taking 4-49 in a 4 wicket win.

 

Since making his First-class debut in 2004, Smit has hit 3141 runs at 32.4 with three centuries and 18 half centuries. He has also taken 63 wickets with a best of 4-50.

 

Smit will be Ramsbottom's tenth South African professional and the club wish to thank Gary Hunt's agency, Cric-Intro.