Egremont’s third attempt at Premier Division cricket in 2022 will be underpinned by an experienced professional.
The Gillfoot club have appointed 28-year-old Pabasara Waduge, a Sri Lankan batsman as their pro for their return to the Cumbria League’s top flight.
A top order batter, who also bowls off spin, he comes to west Cumbria with a wealth of experience having represented Sri Lanka Under-19’s and Sri Lanka A as well as captaining his first class team Moors Sports Club.
He also enjoyed a great debut season in the UK in 2017 playing for Leyland in the Northern League. He racked-up over 700 runs and helped them lift the League title.
Jack Stubbings, the Egremont captain said: “Signing Pabarasa is a major step forward for the club. Bein promoted and having invested in improving our ground and facilities it’s important we take the step of signing a professional to support us on and off the field.
“I am hugely excited about seeing him in Egremont whites, scoring runs and taking wickets.
“His depth of first class and UK experience will be key to us establishing ourselves as a Premier League club.
“Pabarasa is also a keen coach and will undoubtedly improve our current cricketers and our strong junior set up, bringing the whole package to The Mont.”
This will be third time that Egremont have reached the Premier Division but on each occasions they have immediately been relegated.
Secretary Mike Williams said: “The first time was when we were actively fund-raising to improve our facilities so went without a professional.
“The next time we went for an overseas amateur. He was a lovely lad, but young and inexperienced and it didn’t really work out.
“Back up again after winning the First Division last season we feel it’s the right time to establish ourselves in the Premier Division.
“Our re-furbished bar is going really well and we have a strong squad of players with the first and seconds both winning promotion last season.
“It was thought the right time to employ an experienced professional, but one who was also keen on coaching as we have an excellent junior set up.
“From All Stars and Dynamos to Under-11’s, Under-13’s and Under-15’s we are strong and the input from a club coach will be so important for them.
“We did our homework on Pabarasa, and even had the thumbs-up from Geeth Kumara, a fellow Sri Lankan who has just left Keswick after ten successful years.
“A Sri Lankan pro seems the right fit as a lot of the clubs in the League have them so they have their own little community and feel at home.”
