CHRIS Harwood is looking forward to linking up with some of his old schoolmates when he arrives at Lechlade next summer.

The right-arm quick, who was clocked bowling at 86mph at Headingley this summer in a competition, will team up with his former Malvern College classmates Liam Smith and Freddie Martin, who is skipper at the Manor Ground, in their debut year in the West of England Premier League Premier One.

The 22-year-old, who was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, came through the ranks at the academy at Worcestershire before heading north to play for Leeds/Bradford MCCU.

“Freddie is the captain at Lechlade and he asked me to come and join him and Liam there,” said Harwood, who has played in the top flight of the Birmingham League with Worcestershire side Ombersley, as well as making his solitary first-class appearance last summer for Leeds/Bradford.

“I have spoken to Liam (who plays for Herefordshire in the Minor Counties) about what the league is like and he says that there isn’t a great deal of difference between it and Birmingham League – I guess we will see next summer.”

Harwood, who has also played 2nd XI cricket at Leicestershire, says that he is looking forward to getting his bowling partnership with Smith going once more.

Along with Martin, the trio have been playing for Old Malvernians, winning the Cricketer Cup at Arundel last summer.

“It is a lot of fun playing old boys cricket,” he said.

“Liam and I bowl really well together and we will looking to continue that for Lechlade.

“I’m the one who will usually rough up the batsmen before Liam comes in during the next over and takes the wickets.”

Meanwhile, Lechlade have also confirmed that South African U19 World Cup winner Brad Dial will be remaining at the club as their overseas player for a fourth consecutive season.

The 21-year-old has remained in England this winter try and find himself a first-class county and to work with equipment supplier Gecko Cricket.