St Annes sign teenager as new pro

The Northern Premier League club have finally got their man.

They had hoped to re-engage Shadley van Schalkwyk, their pro for 2016, but that failed to materialise.

Then they looked as though they had sealed a deal to sign Indian Saurabh Bandekar, but due to 'unforeseen circumstances' and problems regarding his visa that also fell through.

Belatedly, St Annes have confirmed the arrival of Breetzke, a right-hand bat who plays for the Warriors in the Eastern Province in his native land.

Breetzke made his first-class debut for Eastern Province in the 2016–17 season.

He scored 17 centuries for his school team in South Africa.

Club chairman John Cotton said: "Matthew has a Greek passport and is very highly thought of in South Africa – he comes highly recommended."

Breetzke said: “I’m delighted to have signed with such a well renowned club. I am humbled to be given the opportunity.

"It was very sudden and I knew I couldn’t let an opportunity like this go, so I’m looking forward to taking this opportunity with both hands and winning games for St Annes.

"I look forward to my stay there and meeting all the new people.”

Breetzke is due to arrive at St Annes next week.