BEE GEES BREAK THE MOULD AS PAKISTANI PROFESSIONAL HEADS TO THE GLEN

Bonds Glen have revealed that they have taken the plunge ahead of theiir maiden season in the top flight of North West cricket by signing an overseas professional for the first time in the club's history. The Bee Gees are bringing in 27-year old Pakistani Akbar-Ur-Rehman as they bid to keep their place in Division 1 and with the new season now just 3 weeks away, club secretary Noel McGinnis confirmed that the move was testament to their hopes of being competitive in 2011.

"Nobody here is under any illusion that we have a tough summer ahead but we are really looking forward to the challenge. We only confirmed Akbar's signature on Thursday evening but he should be here in time for the start of the season. Akbar is a top order right hand batsman and medium/ fast seam bowler and he has been among the runs recently in Pakistan. He has a first class average of 30 and is a regular wicket taker as well and he is sure to strengthen the squad considerably. We are looking forward to the new man's arrival and would like to thank Gary Hunt who was instrumental in securing the deal in good time to allow us to prepare for the opening fixtures".

Pressed on whether there would be any other additions before the opening day Noel felt that the rest of the squad would remain pretty much the same as that which won promotion. "We are hoping that Kyle Moore will be joining us as well, but that apart I would expect few changes" he concluded.