BOVEY Tracey have signed former New Zealand U19 captain Andrew de Boorder as their professional for the season ahead.

South African all-rounder Farhaan Behardien, who was Bovey's overseas player for part of last season, was in the frame for a possible return to the Recreation Ground.

Behardien didn't see the season through as he was called away in July to join the South African Emerging Players squad in Australia. With every likelihood he could be playing for South Africa A this summer, Bovey decided to look elsewhere.

Batting all-rounder de Boorder, 21, comes highly recommended from former club Lanchester, who play in the Northern League in the Tyneside and Teeside areas.

In league cricket last season — admittedly one division lower than Bovey play — de Boorder scored almost 900 runs at an average in the mid-30s. His off-break bowling accounted for 66 victims at an average below 13.

Playing for Auckland in New Zealand state cricket, de Boorder has a First Class average of 39.30. He made his maiden century — and unbeaten 125 — in November against Central Districts in Napier.

He captained New Zealand U19s in three Tests against India, hitting a century in the last one.

He also has an U19 one-day international ton to his name and played in the 2006 U19 World Cup in Sri Lanka.

In his most recent game for club side Howick Pakuranga in the Auckland Premier Grade, de Boorder hit 98 against Takapuna.

New Bovey Tracey captain Pete Bradley — he has replaced brother Chris for the season ahead — is confident de Boorder will be a consistent run getter in the Devon League Premier Division this term.

"Andrew is an accumulator of runs, not a world beater but a solid batsman," said skipper Bradley.

"He is going to have a specific role in the team of going in at number three and batting through.

"Rod Hokin did something similar for us a couple of years ago when he came over.

"Bowling wise he takes plenty of wickets in league cricket and I am sure his off-spin will be an asset.

"It is handy that he has a Dutch passport, which means he doesn't count as an overseas player. That means Gupreet Singh, who came to us from Countess Wear last season and did really well, can still play in the same team."

Meanwhile, Behardien has signed for Lancashire League side Burnley.

Chudleigh have asked Mark Halse to take over as captain for the season ahead. He replaces Derek Perry, who stood down at the end of last season after Chudleigh were relegated from the A Division.

Halse came through the youth ranks at Chudleigh, but spent last season at Abbotskerswell.