Downham Stow make first signings of the close season

Downham Stow have announced two new signings ahead of their first-ever season East Anglian Premier League (EAPL).The newly-promoted outfit first confirmed the addition of Sachindu Colombage – a wrist spinner from Sri Lanka.The 26-year-old played for Wellington CC in the West Of England Premier Cricket League (Prem Two) last season, performing brilliantly with 47 wickets at an average of 16.74 from 168.2 overs bowled and a best of 6/19.He also chipped in with 582 runs at an average of 24.25 and a high score of 96 to display his all-round ability.Colombage is now a qualified ECB ‘Core Coach’ and is very keen to help out with coaching throughout his next stint overseas.He burst onto the scene in top-level cricket, originally as a white ball specialist, due to his consistency and wide range of variations causing problems for some high-profile batters.He made his professional debut in 2019, in a T20 for powerhouses Nondescripts alongside Sri Lankan internationals such as Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Mahele Udawatte and Chaturanga De Silva, where he snared three wickets for eight runs from just two overs, helping his team to a victory against Saracens Sports. Meanwhile, Downham Stow has also added higher-order batsman Hudson De Lucchi to their squad. De Lucchi arrives from fellow EAPL side Great Witchingham. He brings with him a wealth of EAPL experience and has also represented Norfolk.On the new arrivals, Downham Stow skipper Pat Yates said: “We’re delighted to get a couple of signings completed for the season.”Sachindu looks like a really exciting prospect, and we know that leg-spin is always a dangerous commodity. “His record in both Sri Lanka and his first stint in England suggest he will make a big difference to our bowling department.”We met Sach over Zoom the other day and he is a lovely guy who I’m sure will fit right in with the family feel at Downham Stow. “Hudson is a brilliant signing. To have someone with EAPL experience will make a big difference but to combine that with the fact he knows the boys well already I think means he’s a perfect fit.”It’s difficult when you move up a league because you can’t just rely on what got you there, you have to try and improve. I think Hudson will add to our depth in the batting department.”We’re trying to build a squad of 14/15 who I think will give us a good chance to compete successfully in the league. There may be one or two more but we will have to wait and see.”