EGERTON have signed professional Mahela Udawatte who helped them win the Bolton League in 2015.

The Sri Lankan left-handed batsman is another top signing for the Blackburn Road side following the recruitment of Lancashire spin bowler Matt Parkinson.

Udawatte, aged 30, returns to the club where he was pivotal in helping Egerton win the Bolton League for the first time in their history last year – with 840 runs from 22 innings – before the club moved to the Greater Manchester League.

Egerton won the Premier Division title in the GMCL's inaugural year but without his services as he was unable to return due to him playing for his country's A team.

After going 85 years without winning a title, team manager Dave Tattersall's team will be going for a championship hat-trick next season.

They expect to be without their leading amateur bowler of the last few years, Adam Street, who is looking to move to Australia.

But with Udawatte and Boltonian Parkinson in their ranks along with the players who have brought the club glory over the last two seasons, they will be the team to beat.

Egerton captain Will Halton said: "As a club we are delighted to re-sign Mahela as pro for 2017.

"He was instrumental in our BCL championship success in 2015. His ability is without doubt with the bat and his first-class captaincy experience is a huge advantage and help to me.

"It was only due to the fact he had a tremendous season back home and was selected for the Sri Lanka A squad that he was unable to return to Egerton last season.

"I think his quality and knowledge of the game will be massive as we look to defend the GMCL Premier division title."