BASHLEY (Rydal) have boosted an anticipated ECB Southern Electric Premier League championship challenge by signing Dorset spin all-rounder Sam Thomson.

Thomson, who had been playing for Dorset League champions Parley, made an unbeaten Minor Counties half-century on debut against Wales MC last season.

Bashley skipper Richard Morris, who has already added his brother and Berkshire captain James Morris as well as Australian under-19 left-hander Jaron Morgan to his squad, revealed his delight at the new signing.

He said: “Sam has recently broken into the Dorset side and has really impressed me with his attitude and performances so far this season.

“He is keen to progress his cricket and Dorset have high hopes for him and felt he would be best served playing Premier League Cricket.

“I think that Sam will complement our current crop of bowlers and I can see him being a real asset for us in both the 50-over and all day cricket.

“He’s a cricketer with a lot of talent and potential.”

Bashley host Bournemouth in a pre-season friendly at the BCG tomorrow and open their Premier Division programme with a New Forest derby match against Lymington on May 3.