CHESHIRE have made a double swoop as they try to book themselves a date with a first-class county next season.
Andy Hall's team meet Bedfordshire at Warkdon Park, Luton, in the first round of the C&G Trophy on Thursday knowing victory would earn them a lucrative showdown and welcome money-spinner by drawing the crowds next season.
And in a bid to make sure they do make it into the next round the county have signed two overseas stars, which every team in the competition are allowed.
Queensland all-rounder Clinton Perren has been recruited to add depth to the side for the 50-over match, while Trinidad & Tobago ace Marlon Black, a towering 6ft plus fast bowler, is being brought in to claim some prize scalps.
Perren, who has scored 1474 runs at an average of 33.50 at first-class level, is currently shining as a professional for Littleborough in the Central Lancashire League.
Meanwhile, Black has been starring for Huyton in the Liverpool Competition and was recommended to Cheshire chairman Gerry Hardtstaff by county vice-captain Richard Hignett, who plays for Bootle in the same league.
Black, 28, has played in a total of four Tests and four One-Day Internationals for the West Indies, and has also been a member of Trinidad & Tobago representative sides since 1993-94.
He appeared in each of the first three matches on West Indies' five-test tour of Australia in 2000, claiming 4-83 in Brisbane on his international debut.
Beaten
But his test-career was tragically cut-short after being beaten by three men in Melbourne, while on tour with his country.
Black was punched and kicked repeatedly to the head and body and struck with a garden stake before being left unconscious.
As a result his test career suffered and he has since had to rebuild his career at first-class and representative levels.
Aussie Perren is a determined, combative and often underestimated batsman and made his limited-overs debut for Queensland in 1997-98, followed by his entry into first-class ranks the following season. This came on the heels of a distinguished junior and early club career, which was highlighted by his selection as an inductee of the Australian Cricket Academy in 1995.
"We have recruited two very good players," said Hardstaff, who is optimistic of his team's chances of meeting a big team next year in the second stage of the competition.
"This is a big game for us and we look good because we have got the strongest side we have fielded all year.
"Marlon was recommended to us by Richard Hignett and Andy Hall recommended Clinton Perren, so hopefully they can both come in and cause some problems.
"Marlon is a fast bowler and he should take wickets for us, while Clinton has been scoring runs. They have both been playing first-class cricket when they go home, so they should fit into Minor Counties level easily."
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