Mike Jones will have an important role to play both and off the pitch after stepping back up to the East Anglian Premier League with Great Witchingham.

After spending two years playing and coaching at Brooke, Jones recently parted company with the Alliance Premier Division champions and now has a new challenge to look forward to with the Witches, who finished a disappointing 10th in 2016.

He has taken up the position of director of cricket, with a remit to help bring through young talent at Walcis Park, and will also be Witchingham's overseas player for the new season, replacing Australian Brenton McDonald.

New Zealander Jones, who has previously played EAPL cricket in Suffolk for Sudbury and Woolpit, will provide further strength to a batting order that already includes Norfolk openers Sam Arthurton, the club's skipper, and James Spelman, while his off-spin bowling should also prove to be a useful resource.

'This a really exciting appointment for the club,' said the LJS Joinery-sponsored club's chairman Richard Lilwall. 'As a club we feel young players are our future and we really want to develop our junior section. So when we heard Mike was available we were quick to get in touch.

'He is a top coach, who I am sure will do an excellent job for us at all age levels and I am sure having him on board will benefit everyone at the club.

'On top of that he is also a top player to add to all the talented cricketers we already have here.

'Obviously the target is to do a lot better than we did last season and having Mike here as director of cricket and as a player can only help.'

Lilwall paid tribute to the man Jones is replacing as Great Witchingham's overseas professional.

'We'll all miss Brenton – he was very popular here,' he said. 'He did a great job for the club over two seasons and his 40 plus wickets certainly won't be easy to replace. Everyone here wishes him all the best.'

Fixtures are scheduled to start on Saturday, April 22, with the Witches travelling to Bury St Edmunds.

Have you got a cricket story? Contact sports reporter Chris Wise on 01063 772332 or email chris.wise@archant.co.uk