Keswick have signed the Durham fast bowler Paul Hindmarch as their North Lancs Cumbria League professional for the 2010 season.

Hindmarch, who is 22 in February, will be returning to his local club after coming up through the age groups at Under-11, 13 and 15.

He will take the place of Darren Hickey, who was a very successful and popular professional at Fitz Park last season.

Club chairman Keith Richardson said: “Darren did very well for us and was an excellent club professional, both on and off the field.

“He developed an excellent working relationship with our young, first-season captain Glen Weightman and with us having a very young side it was important to have the right sort of professional working with them.

“Darren’s two boys Adam and Liam were actually members of our youth section.

“Now he and his wife Clare are expecting a third child and that was the main reason why he told us fairly early that he would not be able to come back for 2010. He might also have work commitments on a Saturday morning so the travelling was going to be a problem.

“He has not ruled-out returning to the Keswick club in the future but from 2010 he has accepted a professional post in the north east.”

Hickey’s contributions helped Keswick obtain their best finishing place in the Premier Division of the North Lancs Cumbria League.

Richardson continued: “Because we knew in good time I was able to talk to Paul and suggest returning to Keswick as a pro.

“Durham had a policy of allowing their second team players to pro in the North Yorkshire and South Durham League and that’s what Paul did last year. The second X1 fixtures are confined to mid-week so he and others were able to do that.

“Durham were receptive, too, so we were able to do a deal for the 2010 season and we are delighted.

“Not only has Paul developed as a fast right arm opening bowler but he has also improved his batting and is now a top-order batsman.

“He is from Rosthwaite, grew up with most of the lads in the first team so it’s ideal for him.

“They must think pretty highly of him at Durham because he turned down a contract with Surrey last year to stay there, although he hasn’t played for the first team yet. We’d like to think we can play a further part in his development and that it will be a short return to the club as hopefully he will get a Durham contract for 2011.”

Paul’s younger brother Steven is a fine footballing prospect, although injuries have delayed his Workington debut this season following his release by Shrewsbury Town.

“Steven is also a very talented cricketer and I have no doubt hat when his football commitments are over he will join brother Paul at Keswick,” said Richardson.

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