Record signing by Rammy by Nigel Stockley

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Player:

PJ Malan

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DateLine: 26th September 2011

 

Ramsbottom have signed record breaking South African Pieter Malan as professional for the 2012 season.

 

Playing in the Northern League last season, Malan became the first Barrow player to reach 1,000 runs since they joined the league in 2004. He made 1,051 league runs at an average of 65.69, including five centuries.

 

Malan is an opening batsman who plays for Titans and has come highly recommended by ex Ramsbottom professional, Francois Du Plessis.

 

Ramsbottom Cricket Chairman, Andy Dalby said, "Once we knew Shanan wouldn't be returning, myself and Jon Fielding compiled a list of possible names for next season. Pieter was top of that list.

 

"He is an exciting young player and we knew from his stats this season that a number of clubs were after him, so we made contact and had a lengthy chat about our thoughts for next season.

 

"Pieter, having sub-pro'd in the league, knew about us and with some good words from Faf, negotiations were relatively straight forward."

 

Malan has played three Lancashire League matches to date, hitting 112 in his first match when he stood in for Colne against Burnley. He also played for Rishton and Nelson facing Bacup both times.