MEGGIES' OVERSEAS PROFESSIONAL NAMED

Report and pictures from Graham Hackney, Cleethopes CC

Cleethorpes Cricket Club can confirm New Zealand International Peter Fulton will NOT be returning as overseas professional and captain for 2011.
Cricket Chairman Paul Hewstone explains: "Pete first let us know before Xmas he had a problem with his shoulder and after seeking advice from a specialist it was confirmed this type of injury would only improve with a period of sustained rest and/or an operation. After a short period of discussion Pete and I agreed it would therefore be best for him to get this sorted over the winter (our summer) and therefore not return to Cleethorpes."
Clearly a blow to Cleethorpes as Fulton, who scored over 900 runs in 2010, had also been elected Captain at the Club AGM in November. The club have reacted quickly to this news and James Osmond will again captain the 1st team, who compete in the ECB Yorkshire Premier League, whilst Omesh Wijesiriwardana (pictured) has been signed as Fulton's replacement.
He is a 28-year-old Sri Lankan quick bowler and supporters of Cleethorpes will remember Omesh from his swashbuckling guest appearance for the club in the 2009 T20 competition.
Omesh currently plays for Badureliya Sports Club in the Sri Lankan Premier League Tier A Tournament.
Hewsty added: "Of course it was a massive blow to lose Pete but Omesh is a quality bowler who has represented Sri Lanka A team and he was bowling at the Sri Lankan players in preparation for there recent World Cup game against England, which highlights his pedigree. Subject to his Visa clearance we should have Omesh available for the start of the season."
Cleethorpes' preparations for the season are now in full swing with winter nets currently being held at Franklin on a Wednesday evening, whilst the final preparations to the ground will be done during the Natwest Cricketforce weekend which is on the 9/10 April.
Friendly fixtures are arranged in advance of the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire League seasons which start on April 23.