NEW WHITMORE SIGNING SECURES FRESH CHANCE AT FIRST-CLASS LEVEL

CRICKET: Whitmore are keeping a close eye on James Weighell’s availability after the allrounder signed a two-year deal with Glamorgan. Weighell agreed a move to play for North Staffs and South Cheshire League Premier Division Whitmore for the 2021 campaign after departing the firstclass scene.

The 27-year-old, a lefthanded batsman and right-arm seamer, pictured, graduated through the Durham Academy, but spent the latter part of 2020 on loan at Leicestershire after being told his contract in the north east would not be renewed.

However, he joined Glamorgan on trial and impressed sufficiently to be handed a permanent contract. Glamorgan director of cricket Mark Wallace told the county’s website: “It’s great news to bring in someone the calibre of James to the club.

“He trialled with us during pre-season and impressed everyone with his all-round game. He’s a very versatile cricketer with pedigree across all formats. “James will add depth to our squad and bolster our seam bowling options.” Weighell has taken two five-wicket hauls in firstclass cricket, most notably when he picked up 7-32 against Leicestershire in 2018 as Durham won after being asked to follow on. It was the first time they had achieved that feat since being admitted to county cricket.

Weighell also appeared on the minor counties circuit for Northumberland between 2012 and 2015. His last appearance for Northumberland was in a three-wicket victory over Staffordshire at Jesmond where he made key runs in both innings.

In all, Weighell has played 16 first-class matches, 12 List A and 27 Twenty20 matches in his pro career. He has been included in Glamorgan’s 13-man squad for their County Championship opener against Yorkshire at Headingley, which starts today.

If he plays a significant part in Glamorgan’s red-ball start to the season, that would rule him out of at least the first six rounds of NSSCL matches. Weighell told the county’s website: “It’s fantastic to be given this opportunity by Glamorgan.

“It’s a new and exciting challenge and I can’t wait to get started and repay the faith the club has put in me.

“Everyone has been extremely welcoming, and I look forward to making Wales my home.” Whitmore ended last summer in 11th place in the Premier Division with four wins and seven defeats from their 11 encounters. They have also signed Pakistani all-rounder Jalat Khan.

He made more than 2,100 runs for Rode Park & Lawton between 2015 and 2017, as well as taking 205 wickets.

That earned him a move up the league ladder to Blythe, who he represented in 2018 and 2019.

He was close to 1,500 runs in his two seasons at Cresswell Lane and snared 122 victims with his slow left-armers.

In total, he’s scored five NSSCL tons and also delivered 26 five-wicket hauls.