RADCLIFFE Cricket Club has unveiled its new professional for 2005: prolific local batsman, Gary Garner.

The 35-year-old, who now lives in Tockholes, has signed a two-year contract and it is a return for the Clifton-born hitter to the Racecourse, having begun his career there as a 16-year-old before moving up to the under 18s and the first team, where he batted at number four alongside the likes of Robert Haynes and Dexter Fitton.

Aged 18 he then moved to West Leigh to become that clubs pro before going on to spend three years at Woodhouses in the same capacity.

Since then he has been the paid man at: Irlam (two years) and Denton St Lawrence (two years); captain and coach at Clifton (one year); player-coach at Tonge (where he won the league three times); then pro at Farnworth (two years) and Edgworth (one year).

He has spent the last three years as captain and coach at Egerton.

Since turning professional he has notched over 1000 runs at most of the clubs he has graced, and Radcliffe are hoping he can continue in that vein for at least the next two years.

Garner signed on the dotted line last Thursday night at the club as it held a cricket equipment sale in conjunction with Ace Sports of Elland, Leeds.

l The Club will be holding a Sports Quiz at the Racecourse clubhouse this Saturday (March 5). Cost of a four-man team is £10 and the fundraising event starts at 7.30pm.