NEW Zealander Phil Lill is set to say his farewells to Chipping Sodbury but could well be back in the spring for a second season with the thriving South Gloucestershire cricket club.

The 25-year-old, from South Canterbury, made a big impression on and off the pitch as Sodbury’s most recent overseas player, thoroughly enjoying his experiences at The Ridings.

Lill ended the summer as the 13th highest run scorer in the WEPL’s Gloucestershire division, finishing with 375 runs at an average of 27.

And he also weighed in with 22 off-spin wickets at an average of 18.7, coincidentally also finishing 13th in the bowling lists for Sodbury who improved from seventh in 2015 to claim fifth place, only 29 points behind second-placed Dumbleton.

Lill said: “I was surprised, in a good way, by the standard of cricket. As a team we got off to a strong start and it was a wee bit disappointing that we could not keep it up but overall the club is only going one way and that’s forward.

“I really appreciate everything the club has done for me this year and I would love to come back, if we can get all the paperwork sorted.”

Chairman Andy Shield said: “The concept of having an overseas player is fairly new to us but at this level of cricket it’s a very necessary part of your first-team setup.

“Phil more than met our aspirations, fitting in brilliantly with everyone and it’s been a great experience all round.

“We’re really indebted to Sharon and Steve Poole for providing Phil with a real home from home while he was here with us, and we hope to see Phil back here next year with some added responsibilities.”

Sodbury seamer Tom Clay, meanwhile, is set to spend the winter months playing for Christchurch side Heathcote who boast one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in New Zealand.

Sodbury hold their annual meeting at their Ridings clubhouse on Tuesday October 4 (7.30pm).