All Rhodes lead to Newtown & Chilwell

OVERSEAS acquisitions are starting to ramp up in the Geelong Cricket Association (GCA) and Newtown & Chilwell has jumped on the bandwagon.

English county cricketer George Rhodes has signed on as a Two Blue for season 2022/23 and is set to bolster new coach Tom Meredith’s side substantially.

“Ever since we were introduced to George, we knew he was the perfect overseas player for us, we’re delighted to have finally signed him,” Meredith said.

“At 28, and with a wealth of professional cricketing experience under his belt, I have no doubt that George will quickly become a leader at the club.

“He is a driven bloke, and we are on the same wavelength already with how we want to approach our cricket, he will be invaluable to both me and Dylan Hodge in our respective roles.”

Rhodes, a former cricketer with British sides Worcestershire and Leicestershire, has played 34 First Class games since his debut in 2016.

Newtown & Chilwell will use him as a top order batsman and right arm offspinner come Round 1 of the new season.

“George will play a pivotal role for us in the top order,” Meredith said.

“With the departure of Cooper Bingham, George can make the number four spot his own and I’m looking forward to getting out in the middle with him.

“With the other winter additions of Chay Deary, Tyson Windus, Paddy Mckenna and John Simson, we are in a good place going into the new season.”

Rhodes, 28, is also the grandson of William Rhodes, a first-class player for Nottinghamshire; and son to father Steve, who kept wicket for England in 11 Tests.

“The club is thrilled that George has agreed to play with us next summer,” Two Blues president Tom Levick said.

“He has a good record in county cricket, both as a batsman, and a handy bowler. He will be a great addition to the club this year.

“On behalf of everyone at the club the club, I welcome George to Newtown and Chilwell Cricket Club, and we can’t wait to meet him.”

Newtown & Chilwell head to Bisinella Oval in Round 1 on October 1 to face Lara.