PADIHAM have made a triple signing as they begin preparations for life in Section A of the Ribblesdale League next season.

The club have raided Lancashire League side Clitheroe for Jack Dewhurst and Kurt Robinson and also bring in Australian all-rounder Rhys Marshall.

The latter, who plays for Brisbane-based Wynnum Manly in his homeland, arrives as overseas amateur.

Dewhurst has signed a two-year deal to be professional at the Arbories having scored more than 1,000 runs and taken more than 30 wickets in the Lancashire League last season.

Meanwhile Robinson returns to Padiham after two years away with Clitheroe.

Club secretary and player Callum Clarke is delighted to secure the services of Dewhurst.

“It’s a very good signing, “he said. “We worked hard to get this one done. Jack’s proved himself over the years as an amateur and he is now ready to take that step up to a pro.”

Clarke said the signing of Marshall is a ‘bonus’ with the young Aussie coming to experience life in the Lancashire League.

He added: “We aren’t expecting too much. Rhys is only 19 and he’s coming over from Australia so it’s more of a life experience for him. Whatever he brings is a bonus for us.”

Clarke spoke of Padiham’s delight at getting the three signings done so quickly, and said: “We tried to get them done early so that when we start training in January, we’ll have a full squad to work with.”

Clitheroe have moved quickly to replace Robinson with the capture of Kyle O’Connor from Read.

Elsewhere, Lancashire League side Great Harwood have signed Thikshila de Silva as their professional for 2019.

The batting all-rounder will be the club’s second Sri Lankan professional, following in the footsteps of Ashen Silva.

De Silva, who made his T20 international against South Africa in January 2017, said: “I am delighted to join Great Harwood and, having spoken to Ashen Silva, he told me what a good club this is and that it is full of good people. I am looking forward to joining up in April and tasting my first season of UK league cricket.”

Club chairman Stuart Maher said: “We are delighted to have secured the services of Thikshila for the 2019 season.

"His explosive batting will entertain the crowds at Cliffe Park.”