TOP KIWI JOINS MEGGIES

By Graham Hackney

Cleethorpes Cricket Club are delighted to announce the signing of New Zealand international Peter Fulton as their overseas professional player for 2010.
Fulton, who is nicknamed Two-Metre Peter, has played 10 Test matches, 41 One Day Internationals and 11 Twenty20s for New Zealand in an international career spanning six seasons.
He has amassed more than 5,000 first-class runs averaging 43.63 in 79 first-class
games and over 3,500 runs at 34.89 in 121 one-day games. He boasts a highest score of 301 not out for Canterbury.
The signing of Fulton confirms Cleethorpes' ambitions for the upcoming season and they will no doubt hope Fulton can produce the form that New Zealand compatriot Matthew Sinclair showed at the club several years ago.
Assuming there are no problems with the ECB endorsement and the UK Border Agency procedures, Fulton is due to arrive in Cleethorpes in time for Cleethorpes' opening ECB Yorkshire League fixture against Yorkshire Academy at Chichester Road on Saturday, April 24th.
Cricket chairman Paul Hewstone commented: "We are absolutely delighted to have signed a player of Peter's quality. This is a major coup for Cleethorpes Cricket Club and highlights our ambitions and intentions for the 2010 season. We finished 6th in the Yorkshire League last season which was our highest position since 2004; add to that squad a player of Peter's talents and I see no reason why we shouldn't be challenging for the Yorkshire League."
Cleethorpes face a tough start to their Yorkshire league campaign with consecutive home games against the top three sides from last season's Yorkshire League. Following their opening encounter with Yorkshire Academy, they face runners-up Scarborough then champions York within the first fortnight of the season. In the Yorkshire league cup they travel to Doncaster on Sunday, May 9th, while the National Knockout sees Cleethorpes entertain West Indian Cavaliers at Chichester Road on Sunday May 16th.
Cleethorpes defeated a strong West Indian Cavaliers side featuring a number of ex-first class players last September to take the club's Twenty20 trophy.
Cleethorpes 2nds open their 2010 season with the visit of Alkborough on
April 17th, while the 3rd X1 travel to Nettleham 2nds on April 24th in their
season opener. Cleethorpes 4ths face Haxey 2nds at the Stamford Club on April 17th for their first fixture.
Following the Cleethorpes Cricket Section AGM, James Osmond will once again captain the 1st X1, with Charlie Tomlinson appointed Vice-Captain. Paul Sunley takes over from Dan Tolson as 2nd X1 Skipper as Cleethorpes will look to better last season's strong challenge in the Lincolnshire Premier League.
Cricket Chairman Paul Hewstone will once again lead the 3rd X1 in their
defence of the Lincs First Division title and the Bob Welton Cup. Kris Richardson
replaces Kevin Blewitt to take command of the 4th X1 for their Second Division campaign.
Preparations for the season are already underway with senior nets being held at the Oasis Academy in Immingham from 7.30-9pm. All senior players are welcome.

TWO-METRE PETER STATS

Full name: Peter Gordon Fulton (New Zealand)

Born: February 1, 1979, Christchurch, Canterbury

Current age: 31 years

Major teams: New Zealand, Canterbury

Batting style: Right-hand

Bowling style: Right-arm medium.