GUYANA all-rounder Neil McGarrell will be Church's new professional in the EW Cartons Lancashire League next summer.

A right-hand bat and orthodox slow left-arm bowler, the 25-year-old McGarrell comes highly recommended by former Church pro Chester Watson, now chairman of Jamaica.

He joined Georgetown CC straight from school and played at all levels from under-16 upwards for his club.

A debut for Demerara followed in 1995 and he is now skipper of the state side.

McGarrell has also established himself in the Guyana team where his best bowling is 7-84 in an innings against Trinidad and Tobago. He finished the match with figures of 11-148, including the wicket of Brian Lara. His best batting for Guyana is 73 against the Windward Islands.

Church chairman Tony Marsden said: "We were particularly looking for a slow left-armer, we think our ground will suit him.

"He is something of an unknown quantity but whoever you sign is a risk and we are told he is a good all-round cricketer.

"We are very happy to have him signed up for next season."

McGarrell is the first bowler of his type at Church since New Zealander Mark Priest in 1991-92.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.