Church & Oswaldtwistle Cricket Club are delighted to announce the signing of Luke Woodcock as their professional for the 2009 season.

New Zealander Woodcock, who will be 27 on the 19th March, represents Wellington Firebirds in the New Zealand State Championship, Shield and Twenty20 competitions. He is a left handed batsmen and left arm orthodox bowler who averages 28.12 with the bat from 95 First Class innings and has taken 66 wickets at an average of 36.81, with an economy of just 2.53.

Woodcock will arrive at West End on the back of a highly successful season in which he has been an integral part of the the Firebirds team and was rewarded with a call up to the New Zealand 'A' squad, playing in the 1st Test vs England Lions from 1st to 4th March 2009 which ended in a draw. He will be the club's first New Zealand Professional since Mark Priest in 1991-92.

Everyone at Church would like to welcome Luke and wish him all the best for the 2009 season.

The club would also like to take this opportunity to thank Simon Hargreaves and Original Fabrics the main club sponsor, who have again supported the committee and the club in a huge way, and made this signing possible.

Church start their league campaign at home to Ramsbottom on Sunday 26th April.