KENDAL's professional Eldred Hawken has flown back to South Africa this week.

The 26-year-old right-armed paceman took 44 wickets in the league, 54 overall, in his spell in England.

He also showed his batting prowess hitting 418 runs in 26 games, the club's second highest scorer behind Saeed Bariwala (470).

And despite not being the club's first choice professional, captain Chris Miller was happy with Hawken's contribution.

"I's always nice standing at first slip to see someone bowling at a bit of pace to trouble the batsman," he said.

"Unfortunately with us losing many players at the start of the season he has played in a weaker side than I thought we were going to have so it's been a big ask for him but I think he has stood up well and done a really good job for us.

"I think he has massively enjoyed his time in England experiencing a new culture. He came in as a late replacement and did the job that we wanted of him to spearhead our bowling attack. He's spent some time with the younger bowlers over the summer so hopefully they will have learnt from him things to take their own game forward."