East Lancs sign Orchard by Nigel Stockley 11th September 2005

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Player:

MG Orchard

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DateLine: 11th September 2005

 

East Lancs have announced the signing of New Zealand all rounder Mark Orchard as professional for the 2006 season.

 

Since making his First-class debut in 2002, the 26 year-old Orchard has scored 894 runs at 25.5 with a top score of 97 and he has taken 33 wickets with a best of 5-10 in 24 matches for Northern Districts.

 

Orchard was professional at Morecambe in 2005, scoring 720 runs from 19 innings at 51.4 and taking 48 wickets at 14.4. He also acted as sub professional for East Lancs in five matches and Haslingden in one match, scoring a total of 122 runs at 30.5 with a highest score of 67. He also took 13 wickets at 14.0 with a best of 5-34.

 

East Lancs Chairman Larry Pearson said: "Mark impressed with both bat and ball, his attitude and his own likeable personality. Although he had to return home on 21st August due to an injury I have been in regular contact and a signed contract has recently been received."