Parris to plug gap left by Lubbe exit

Exciting West Indian player Nekoli Parris has been snapped up by Chorley to replace departed professional Wihan Lubbe.
Wihan Lubbe has returned to his native South AfricaWihan Lubbe has returned to his native South Africa
Wihan Lubbe has returned to his native South Africa

Lubbe left the Northern League First Division club this week to return to his native South Africa where he has been selected for a representative squad.

But the club have moved quickly to sign up a substitute, with Parris agreeing to join Chorley for the remainder of the season.

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The player, who has just turned 29, hails from Barbados and is an attacking right-handed batsman who also bowls right-arm off-breaks.

“I’m looking forward to the new challenge at Chorley Cricket Club,” said Parris, who has played 27 first-class games in the Caribbean during which he made one century and six half-centuries.

“I’ve seen it’s a very good club in a top league, I’m really looking forward to the increased competition and tougher cricket.

“I can’t wait to get out on the pitch and start performing. Hopefully, a little West Indian flavour can carry the guys to the top of the league.

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“I also want to pass on my knowledge to the juniors in the club as well as my team-mates.

“As I’ve said, I can’t wait to get going but most importantly, I’d like to see improved players at the end of the season.”

Parris has experience in English conditions, having played for Bury CC in 2014 and Little Hulton in 2015.

“We’re delighted Nekoli is joining us and we hope he will be an able replacement for Wihan Lubbe, who we would like to thank for his efforts during his time at Windsor Park,” said Chorley CC chairman Peter Mockett.

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And first-team skipper Ian Dickinson echoed those sentiments.

“We can’t wait for Nekoli to join us,” he said.

“We are in a healthy fourth place at the moment and we hope he can help us push on and improve still further in the rest of the campaign.”

Parris only had his visa application approved last week and did not arrive in time to play in the weekend’s home double-header.

Chorley drew at home with Darwen in a league game, then faced Preston in the Readers Cup on Sunday, a game which was rain-affected and will be replayed this Sunday.

Parris is expected to make his debut in Saturday’s league trip to champions Morecambe.