In a sign of their growing ambition ESCA Championship side Penicuik have announced the signing of South African duo Craig Thyssen and Heynrych Nel for the 2016 season. Thyssen, who joins as Player-Coach, is no stranger to Scotland having previously had spells with both Stenhousemuir and Ayr.

He has scored 3055 first class runs with a highest score of 200 for South African side Warriors and also featured in the Twenty20 Champions League in 2010-11 and 2011-12.

Nel, twenty one, joins as overseas amateur having played in the Western Union Premier Division for Ayr last season.

“The two signings are incredibly exciting and ones I believe will take us forward,” said Penicuik captain Chris Ashforth.

“It's going to be fantastic and beneficial for everyone at the club to have Craig as our coach. We all know that he is a brilliant player but what made him the perfect candidate for the job was the coaching experience he has attained over the past few years.

“It will also be refreshing to have Heynrych join us for the season to push us forward in the right direction.”