PEMBROKE

Pembroke's young and ambitious side are looking for promotion back to Division1 in 2012. The club are also hopeful of strong performances in the cup competitions.

Pembroke's Emmett Whaley told CricketEurope;  "The combination of a young talented side aligned with recruitment of the former Strabane professional Jonathan Beukes, we feel the goals of promotion and significant cup runs are very achievable.

"The appointment of Theo Lawson as captain and the return to full fitness of Allan Eastwood are key along with the continued improvement of Barry McCarthy with bat and especially with ball. Rohit Bahl will also be looking to pick up form where he left off last year behind the stumps.

"Some players to look out for this season are off-spin bowler Paul Lawson who had a good season last year with the ball and continues to improve with clever variations along with his improved batting. Once his leaving cert is complete Darren Nicol will also come into the team and we’ll be looking for big contributions with bat and ball. Other young players to watch are Jack Balbirnie, Robin Russell and Andrew Leonard."

There's no doubt that the signing of Beukes could well be a master-stroke by Pembroke. The South African was consistent and prolific in NW cricket, and his solid batting will give Pembroke the platform to set sides difficult targets. There is of course the added bonus of the coaching expertise that he also brings to the club.