Reon King Heads to South Africa

Guyanese fast bowler Reon King has clinched a deal to play for Northerns in South Africa's ultra-competitive domestic first class competitions.

King, who is playing league cricket in Durham, will be the overseas professional for Northerns Cricket Union's Nashua Titans for the 2003-04 cricket season. He is expected to arrive at SuperSport Park during September, in time for the Titans pre-season programmes.

Northerns manager/coach Dave Nosworthy praised the signing. "I believe that Reon will be a great asset to the Titans set-up and will fit in really well, not only from a playing point of view ? but also in terms of bringing through our other very talented young players."

"I am really looking forward to seeing him in action, and am sure that he will provide much firepower and entertainment for all of our loyal supporters," he said.

For King, the deal is a huge step in his quest to win back his place in the West Indies side. Interestingly, King's Test career started at Northerns' SuperSport Park in the 1998-99 season and the fast bowler said the contract would "boost my chances of restarting my Test career."

In 14 Test matches for the West Indies, King has taken 44 wickets at 27.77 per but recurring injuries have blocked his recall to the side. He has also appeared in 48 ODIs for the regional side, taking 73 wickets at 23.23.