LEWDOWN have signed young South African Dinecho Visser as their overseas player for this season’s A Division campaign.

Visser, who will be 19 in June, comes from the Western Cape and plays for Heidelberg in the Gauteng League.

Visser bats in the top half of the order and bowls off-spin. Harry Geering, who has stepped into the new role of club captain at Lewdown, said Visser has impeccable references from last summer’s big-scoring South African Johannes Wessels.

Dinecho comes recommended by Johan Wessels who he plays his cricket with back in South Africa,” said Geering.

“He is currently second-leading wicket taker in the league and averaging low-30s with the bat.  

“He is very keen and will be over soon to play some friendly games before the season starts.

“Dinecho has had a great year back home and we are certain he will continue that over here with us and look forward to his arrival.”

Another useful signing is Gareth James, who is head of cricket at nearby Kelly College, where Lewdown duo  Leon Horn and Adam Creasy are students.

Batsman James has played List A cricket for Essex, First Class cricket for Cambridge UCCE and Tamil Union in Sri Lanka and has Minor Counties appearances for Suffolk. His CV also includes a handful of games for Alphington, where brother Paul is a former captain.

“We are certain Gareth will add valuable experience and runs when available,” said Geering.

Already committed to Lewdown this summer are Richard Goldby-West and Pat Hobbs, who have switched from Yelverton.

Left-arm paceman Ben Williams has indicated he will be rejoining after a season with Torquay, although he may not feature too often.

“Ben should be re signing but is living in London and we are hopeful he will be available for a handful of games,” said Geering.

Dan Moore and George Smith - Plymouth university first teamers – have signed too.

“Dan looks a handy opening bat and has plenty of variations with his bowling,” said Geering.

“George bats three and will be adding even more spin options to the side.”

Lewdown have had up and down experience in the A Division over the past couple of years, ranging from promotion near misses just only just staying up.

Geering feels the 2017 group of players is well prepared for the challenges ahead.

“The squad has more depth this year than we have previously had,” said Geering.

“A Division cricket, as we know, is extremely competitive and being a village club we have to work extra hard.

“Our aims will be to try and improve on last year’s fifth-place finish.

“Any new players wanting to test themselves are always welcome.

“We start our outside nets this Thursday and have plenty of friendly fixture.”