OLD Elthamians Cricket Club have signed Dylan DeBeer as their overseas professional for the forthcoming season.

The 26-year-old South African will join the club's first XI and also support the team of professional English Cricket Board (ECB) coaches who will welcome record numbers of junior members during club registration evening tomorrow (April 25).

First team captain and head of Old Elthamians' coaching Ed Thorogood said: "We are delighted a player of Dylan's calibre and experience has joined the club to support our aspirations for success in 2008 in both our competitive matches and coaching programme."

DeBeer said: "I am really excited about being at Old Elthamians this year.

"There is such a great atmosphere here.

"The team look drilled, the attitude is fantastic and I think the league title will be making its way to Foxbury."

Recently awarded Focus Club status by the ECB in recognition of its investment in junior cricket, it is expected a record number of junior members will be signing up for the new season of competitive matches and coaching, with Friday junior club nights starting on May 2.

Junior section chairman Robin Driscoll said: "Over the past two years, we have seen a 100 percent increase in junior membership at the club.

"We welcome all age groups and abilities into our professional coaching programme and run eight highly inclusive junior sides to enable everyone to gain a taste of competitive cricket."

Anyone interested in joining either the junior or senior sections of the club should call Frances on 07751 133190.