Banbury CC have signed New Zealander Anthony Bullick as their overseas player for the 2009 campaign.

The 23-year-old Kiwi all-rounder replaces South African Benji Hector, who decided at the end of last season that he would not be returning to these shores after three years at the north Oxfordshire club.

Bullick has first-class experience, having played two games for Otago in 2007 against Wellington and Auckland.

Last season, he played for St Helens Recs in the Liverpool And District Premier League.

But, despite starring with both bat and ball, he was unable to save them from the drop.

New Banbury skipper Ian Hawtin said: “He took 40-odd wickets and scored 450 runs for them, so he did quite well up there.

“They got relegated, so he was playing in a pretty poor side.

“He is the right age and a bowling all-rounder, so he should add something to our side.”

Bullick’s previous experience of playing in this country was also a factor in Banbury signing him.

Hawtin added: “It can take an overseas player a while to work the conditions out.

“He has already done quite well here, so hopefully he will bring the same performances to us.”

Banbury will also look to Bullick, who is due to arrive on April 13, to have an input with the coaching at the club.

Hawtin said: “It is not just as a playing role, although that is a big part of it. The coaching part is significant as well.

“Benji Hector was a great influence on the club and is a hard act to follow, but we think Anthony has the experience to do it.”

l BANBURY have been drawn at home to Bicester & North Oxford in the ECB Twenty20 Competition first round on Wednesday, May 27.

Oxford visit Cumnor, while Aston Rowant entertain Tring Park and Henley are away to Reading.