Pair given chance by Gloucestershire (From Gazette Series)

Pair given chance by Gloucestershire

GLOUCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club have announced the signing of two new players for the start of the 2006 season.

David Brown and Grant Hodnett will join the club for the first 12 weeks of the season.

They will play for the club on a trial basis in order to gauge their progress and compatibility with the full squad.

Brown's name was given to Gloucestershire after he studied at Durham University.

He said: "I am delighted that Gloucestershire have given me this opportunity to further develop my cricket. I look forward to playing my part in a successful 2006 season."

In support, Stuart Barnes, academy director at Gloucestershire, said: "David played a number of matches in the second team last season and impressed us as an all-round cricketer.

"He made some useful contributions to a good season at that level and this extended period of time in the early season will allow us to really see what he is capable of."

Hodnett, who was picked up from playing in the local leagues, said: "The opportunity given to me by Gloucestershire is a further step forward for me to achieve my ambition to become a professional cricketer and I thank them for the confidence shown in me. I look forward to an excellent 2006 season."

Barnes added: "Grant has performed consistently well in the West of England Premier League for Cheltenham CC and deserves this opportunity to spend an extended period of time working with the full-time squad.

"In the matches he has played with us so far, he has shown good potential and made his first class debut against Warwickshire last season."