Thompsonreturns to Eglinton

The 21-year-old is currently studying in Newcastle and despite a fairly indifferent campaign on Roeside in 2012, Thompson found his way into the Irish senior squad for the T/20 World Cup in Sri Lanka at the end of the season.

Having been involved with Eglinton since boyhood the move represents something of a ‘homecoming’ for the all-rounder and club Secretary John Pierce was adamant that this could be a pivotal signing.

“Eglinton CC are naturally delighted that Stuart will be rejoining us for the start of the 2013 season. He is in reality coming home as he has strong family connections here and has a family base in the village,” stated Pierce.

“Stuart will bring plenty of aggression and indeed experience too which will compliment the existing talent already at the club. His signing signals our intention to do everything we can to retain our place at what will be a highly competitive top table of North West cricket. Despite being in the thoughts of International selectors Stuart is likely to be available for the vast majority of the domestic campaign and his signing has been warmly welcomed by everyone at the club.”

The player himself agreed that he was looking forward to pulling on a familiar sweater and was already looking forward to the challenge. “I am very happy to be returning to the club where I played all of my youth cricket. There is currently a really good blend of youth and experience in the squad and I am looking forward to playing my part in helping to keep Eglinton competing in the Premier League.

“There is a lot of talent already there and we know that this is going to be a massive season with the new 8-team set up. It is also a big year on the Inter-Provincial and International stage and I hope that I can do well enough at club level to stay in the thoughts of the representative selectors.”