NETHERFIELD Cricket Club have completed the signing of exciting South African all rounder Obus Pienaar as preparations for their Northern League campaign intensify.

27-year-old Pienaar is a right hand bat and slow left arm bowler from Bloemfontein. He has played for Free State and The Eagles franchise teams.

Pienaar spent the 2016 season in England and excelled hitting 11 centuries for Sleaford in Lincolnshire, where he struck a record breaking 1,507 Premier League runs and averaged 107.64.

Most recently Pienaar spent the winter in Wellington, New Zealand, playing in the A team while trying to qualify for the First Class Province team.

Domestically the talented all rounder plies his trade for Taita District in the Ewen Chatfield Trophy.

He has achieved national honours playing for the South African Schools under 19s. He has also represented the Chevrolet Knights Franchise breaking the South African domestic record in 2011 for the quickest double century (212), scored from only 177 balls.

Pienaar broke AB De Villiers record for the highest individual score in NCU Premier History scoring 244 against CYMS from only 111 balls. The knock included 22 sixes and 13 fours.

Netherfield Cricket Club secretary Ian Heath spoke of his delight in the latest signing. He said: β€œIt has taken some serious effort and hard work to get this signing over the line however we are very pleased and delighted to welcome Obus to Netherfield Cricket Club. He comes with a great reputation from former clubs in both England and Northern Ireland.”

Netherfield's season begins on April 22 at home to Blackpool.

Pre-season games will take place on April 15 at home to Garstang before a select 11 plays Vickerstown the following day.