BURNLEY have snapped up South African one day international Dale Benkenstein as their professional for the forthcoming Transco Lancashire League season.

The 26-year-old batsman, who plays for Natal, will make a welcome return to Turf Moor, having been their paid-man in 1997 where he topped the batting league averages.

Benkenstein scored 1036 runs, averaging 74 a game, and will be a welcome boost after Burnley finished bottom of the league last season.

"We have been chasing Dale for a couple of months and are glad to finally get his signature," said Burnley's Cricket manager Michael Anderson.

"He did well last time he was at Turf Moor and we are hoping for a repeat.

"Last season was poor but we had a young side and I think we have learnt a lot.

"This season, I think our amateurs are good enough to be up there challenging.

"Dale is still a young lad but the amateurs can also learn a lot from him. He knows what he is talking about, will be good for morale and we hope he can produce the goods."

Dale replaces Geoff Foley as the paid-man at Turf Moor.