Champions Cleckheaton sign new fast bowler

Free claimed 39 wickets from 197 overs, conceding 844 runs as he finished eighth in the Yorkshire League’s averages, with his best figures 5-29 against Scarborough.

Free is currently spending the winter playing in Australia and has ambitions of breaking into the professional game.

Free will return in time for the new season and looks set to partner Scotland international Iain Wardlaw, with the new ball as Cleckheaton bid to secure a hat-trick of JCT600 Bradford League titles.

Free made his Doncaster Town debut as a 15-year-old having previously played with Brodsworth CC and was also part of the Yorkshire Academy set up.

Cleckheaton captain John Wood has high hopes for the talented youngster, saying: “I am delighted Curtis will be joining us for the coming season.

“His attitude and desire to become a professional cricketer have shown through in all stages in this process. He is ambitious and will fit in really well with the rest of the side.

“I look forward to playing in the same side as him and hopefully Curtis will help us to retain our title as well as push for other honours in his first season with the club.”

Cleckheaton will begin their pursuit for a third successive league crown when they travel to Bradford & Bingley in their opening fixture on Saturday April 18.

The Moorenders end the campaign at home to Pudsey St Lawrence on Saturday September 5,