Vernon signs for Rishton

Rishton have signed the exciting 20 year-old South African all rounder Vernon Philander as professional for next season.

A  right handed middle order batsman and right arm fast medium paced bowler, Philander plays for Cape Cobras alongside former Rishton professional Paul Adams,  ex East Lancs paid man Con De Lange and former Ramsbottom professional Ian Harvey.

The youngster, who bats at number seven for his side, has an impressive record with 589 runs at 34.6 and 41 wickets at 19.6 in a dozen First-class matches since his debut in 2003-04. He has also played three Under 19 Tests for his country and was recommended to Rishton by former East Lancs and Nelson professional Alan Dawson.

Philander will be the club's eighth South African professional following in the footsteps of players such as Paul Adams, Allan Donald, Steve Elworthy, Corrie Jordaan, Merryck Pringle, Mike Van Vuuren and the club's first overseas professional S.A. Vogler back in 1919.

Rishton's signing means that all Hyndburn’s club’s have now announced their signings for 2006.