Ex-foe will be a hit at Moorside

Gerrie Snyman

IF you can't beat him, sign him.

The scourge of Moorside during his spell as Heyside professional, Gerrie Snyman is back on the local cricket beat as the Turf Pit Lane club's paid man for 2017.

The Namibian all-rounder thrilled many a Saddleworth League crowd with his big-hitting exploits, and next year it will be turn of the JW Lees Brewery Pennine Cricket League to showcase his talents.

Moorside's experience at the hands of Synman was all too painful in the 2013 Twenty20 Cup final at Micklehurst's Castle Lane ground.

SMASHED

Chasing 214, the 35-year-old smashed a stunning 146 not out to seal an eight-wicket victory. In that season, he scored more than 1,400 runs at an average of 70.2.

Such a performance, and there were other big totals as well, made it an easy decision for Moorside when they learned Snyman was available.

Outgoing skipper Danny Anchor: "It was a no-brainer and it is a real statement of intent on our part with regard to targeting promotion from the Championship next year.

"Gerrie had emailed clubs to say he wanted to come over. We got in contact straight away and it was all sorted out quite quickly.

"He can bowl a variety of seam up or spin and his batting speaks for itself.

"You can rely on him as he doesn't often fail.

"He can pace his innings. He knows when to tee off ­- as we've found to our cost ­- and also when to bat sensibly.

"He knows the club, how good the facilities are and the area. It couldn't have worked out better."

Snyman will be answerable to a new captain at Moorside as Anchor has decided to step down after three years in the role.

A successor has yet to be named.

Anchor said: "I've enjoyed it, it's been good fun, but it's hard work.

"During the season it's a seven days a week job, so it's time for someone else to have a go.

"We're all looking forward to next year.

"With the likes of opening batsman Jack Gartside and bowler Jamie Taylor coming through, we have the foundations of a good side.

"Our trouble, and it's been the case for a number of years, is that we struggle to play our best XI week in, week out."