CHURCH new boy Justin Kemp will take his place as the club's new professional under a cloud of personal tragedy.

The South African all-rounder's grandfather was shot dead last month during an armed ambush on their Eastern Province home.

Kemp, 23, was on tour with South Africa 'A' in the West Indies at the time but immediately returned home.

The 23-year-old has averaged an impressive 65 runs and five wickets per game for South African side Eastern Province this season.

He also comes with a seal of approval from his cousin David Callaghan, last season's St Anne's professional, who recommended the right arm fast medium bowler to Church.

Kemp replaces Mike Watkinson as the club's paid man.

A former member of the South African under 19 squad, Kemp is now an 'A' team regular and was on tour in the West Indies last month.

Church league representative Jack Houldsworth said: "We are in no doubt that this has got to be one of the most promising young all-rounders in South Africa.

"He has never been to England before so obviously a lot will depend on how he settles in and adapts to our conditions. Hopefully he will benefit a young first XI."

If he continues to develop the way he has been doing then there should be no problem."

Kemp toured India in 1995/96 with South Africa under 19s and represented the 'A' team for the first time against Sri Lanka last winter, scoring 166 and 39.

He also played for a President's XI against England in 1998/99.