Scottish star McLeod bolsters North ranks

NORTHUMBERLAND have strengthened their squad with the capture of Scottish international all-rounder Calum McLeod,

However, the 28-year-old former Warwickshire and Durham player is unavailable for today’s opener at Cambridgeshire.

It is the first of four group games in the Unicorns MCCA Trophy for North, who are again led by Jacques du Toit.

The hard-hitting South African will again be Northumberland’s senior professional but McLeod will play when available. “McLeod is a great addition,” said team manager Stuart Tiffin.

“He’s a fabulous player and is keen to play for Northumberland. He has commitments with Scotland and his club South North, but will certainly add to our side when he does play.”

McLeod, who has scored four one-day centuries for Scotland, can’t play at Saffron Walden today as his registration has yet to be completed.

“We’ve got a number of players who are unavailable,” added Tif- fin. “But it’s still a strong and well balanced side.

“In limited overs cricket it’s all about performing on the day and with only four group games it’s important we hit the ground running.”

Tynemouth pair Matty Brown and Sam Dinning both make their county debut, North at home to Cumberland next weekend in their second group game.

They failed to progress out of the qualifying stage last year in the MCCA Trophy but were beaten finalists in 2016.

In championship cricket Northumberland were pipped at the post in Minor Counties East Division by Lincolnshire on runrate.

“We were unbeaten in our six games, five of them wins, and it was harsh to miss out on the title after finishing level at the top on points. The aim is to do well in both forms of the game this summer – and to get off to a winning start today at Cambridgeshire.”