NETHERFIELD Cricket Club's search for a new professional has ended with the signing of South African all-rounder Pierre De Bruyn, who plays for Eastern Province and the Titans Franchise.

De Bruyn, aged 27, bats in the top three for Easterns and bowls fast-medium. His first-class batting average is 35 and he has scored seven centuries and one double century. With the ball, he has taken around 95 first-class wickets.

De Bruyn - no relation to former Netherfield pro Zander De Bruyn - has had previous experience in the UK as professional at Millom in 2001 and has also played in the East Anglia Premier League.

Netherfield secretary Ian Heath said: "When a player like Pierre comes highly recommended by our ex- professionals Dale Benkenstein and Pieter Strydom then you've got to take heed of that.

"None of our South African contacts have been wrong in the past as the current Test series over there shows with the likes of Jacques Kallis and Herschelle Gibbs in the current team."

Benkenstein, who was professional at Parkside Road last season, has a three-year contract with Durham. He will not count as one of their overseas players because he qualifies under the Kolpak ruling concerning eligibility.

Tommy Prime was confirmed as Netherfield's first-team skipper again at the club's annual meeting. Jared Winder takes over from Phil Hartley to lead the second team.

Netherfield open the Northern League campaign with two home matches, Barrow on April 16 and Morecambe on April 23 before going to champions Fleetwood on April 30.

A Netherfield XI, including some Cumberland players, will play Somerset at Parkside on April 3 as part of Mike Burns' benefit. Ex-Somerset skipper Burns was at Netherfield in 89/90.