BASINGSTOKE and North Hants have appointed former Hampshire and Kent pace bowler David Griffiths as their new player/coach at May’s Bounty.

He takes his first coaching session at Yateley this weekend, having just returned from Durban in South Africa, where the 31-year-old helped Crusaders win an eighth successive Castle KZN League title.

Isle of Wight raised Griffiths spent an injury ravaged 12 years on the county circuit, having been capped by England at Under-19 level.

He managed to make only 100 appearances in all formats and, having been released by Hampshire in 2013 spent the next three seasons with Kent.

Griffiths, who spent his formative years with Shanklin and is now an ECB Level 3 coach The seam bowler, who is also a useful middle order batter, will make his Basingstoke and North Hants' Southern League Division One debut against relegated Ventnor on Saturday May 5 at May's Bounty.

It is sure to add extra spice to the local derby games with Hook and Newnham Basics and the first of these is on July 1 at May's Bounty.

Last year the Bountymen finished fifth in the Division One.

Griffiths said: “I’ve been eager to get into coaching and I see a huge opportunity for both the club and myself.

“I want to help turn talented young cricketers into potential Premier league and first class cricketers and this fits with Basingstoke’s aim to reach Southern Premier Division status.”

Basingstoke and North Hants chairman Andy Giles reflected: “We’ve been looking for a coaching solution for a few years and we’re thrilled to have David on board.

“He brings the wealth of experience of a top quality cricketer, and we want to pull on that to help develop our younger players into quality club cricketers and beyond.

“David will have responsibility for 1st team squad training, but also a role to help nurture those who are leaving the youth system. We’re very excited about David’s arrival and it’s a great opportunity for all.”