Spalding Town Cricket Club have unveiled a spree of new signings ahead of their pre-season opener at Wisbech on Saturday (12.30pm).
Lincs ECB Premier League side Town have snapped up all-rounder Dan Millgate, wicket-keeper batsman Josh Downey, ex-Billingborough captain Dave Gollop, batsman Luke Hollingworth and legendary bowler Roy Tilley.
Australian ace Millgate is perhaps the most eye-catching of the new recruits, having enjoyed successful stints with Woodhall Spa, Boston and Skegness. He can bowl right-arm off-spin and is a dangerous middle-order batsman.
Downey will be a new name to many, having made his name in Nottinghamshire. He’s recently returned from a stint playing in Australia.
Ex-Billingborough trio Gollop, Hollingworth – a former Holbeach United FC striker – and Tilley, who has taken wickets galore over the years, will add vital strength-in-depth to the squad too.
Skipper Rob Ambrose, who is ready for his third season in the county big time, admits that there is a good buzz around his new-look squad ahead of the friendly.
He’s just as delighted to have been able to hang onto talented local lads Josh Newton, Charlie Kearns and Henry Charlton, with only Sri Lankan trio Wamanga Perera, Nuwan Jayasena and Thivanka Rajaratne departing the club.
Ambrose said: “With the Sri Lankan lads going, we had to make a few changes.
“We didn’t really want to go down the overseas route this time, so when we heard that Dan Millgate was back playing in England we made our move. We’d tried to sign him a few times before.
“I’ve heard great things about Josh and his stats are great, while the Billingborough lads will add a lot. Of all the signings, I think Roy Tilley made the biggest impact – I must have had about 50 texts about it! He’s a great character to have around the club.
“We’re all very relaxed, with this being our third season in the Lincs Prem.
“We’re aware of what is required at this level and will perhaps approach things a bit less ‘gung-ho’ this year.
“We’ll certainly look to graft for points, but I think we’re in decent shape.”
Spalding start their league season at home to Woodhall Spa on April 18.
