POOLE cricketer Lewis McManus has signed a new contract with Hampshire that will tie him to the Ageas Bowl until the end of the 2016 season.

The wicketkeeper-batsman’s deal was due to expire at the end of 2015 but he has now secured a longer stay with the County Championship Division Two champions.

McManus, 20, has come through the club’s academy and regularly impressed behind the stumps and with the bat for Hampshire II in 2014.

The right-hander served notice of his potential when he hit back-to-back centuries in a friendly for Hampshire against Cardiff MCCU in May.

McManus told the club website: “I’m really happy to have signed a new deal. I was pleased with how I played last year and it was great to be a part of a championship-winning team.

“It’s going to be difficult due to the strength of the team at the moment but, hopefully, I can push for a first team place over the next couple of years.”

Sean Terry and Tom Alsop have also signed new deals and Hampshire director of cricket Giles White said: “All three are talented young players and will be hoping to push for a place in the starting line-up.

“The important thing is for them to develop their games and we are looking forward to seeing them progress over the next two years.”