Joubert stands in for high-flying van der Merwe

WERNETH may have finished third from bottom last season, but they go into the new campaign with justifiable optimism.

South African all-rounder Roelof van der Merwe’s appearances as professional will be limited because of his commitments to Bangalore Royal Challengers in the Indian Premier League and possible involvement in the Twenty20 World Cup in June.

But the Coppice outfit have signed a capable deputy in his fellow South African, Pierre Joubert, a 30-year-old from Pretoria who captains Titans in domestic cricket.

Joubert, a right-hand batsman who also bowls right-arm fast medium, has played local league cricket for Delph and Burnley.

Van der Merwe, a right-hand batsman and slow left-arm bowler, is a genuine all-rounder who starred for his country on his debut in a recent Twenty20 international against Australia on home soil.

Since then, he has been a key member of the Proteas team which currently leads the Aussies 3-1 in the five-match ODI series.

His recent international performances make him a probable for the South Africa side to play in the Twenty20 World Cup in England in June, but as things stand he will be available for Werneth at the end of next month at the conclusion of the IPL.

Werneth’s overseas amateur this season will be Jeffrey Rogerson, a 19-year-old from Port Elizabeth who comes to England on the recommendation of former Oldham professional Mark Charlton.

A right-arm opening bowler, Rogerson is also said to be handy with the bat.

Other good news for Werneth is the return to the club of all-rounder Alan Durose, who was professional for Moorside in the Saddleworth League last season.

Gareth Lees is back behind the stumps following a spell at Royton, while Werneth will be looking to Matthew Taylor to continue his improvement following an excellent 2008 campaign.

The 17-year-old opening batsman, who has represented Lancashire under-19s, scored over 500 runs in 2008 and his medium pace bowling is said to be coming along, too.

Andy Walker continues as skipper and is confident his side can make their mark.

“We are certainly better equipped than last season,” he said.

“It was difficult for the lads, but there were very few games in which we lost heavily so there were some good things to come out of it.

“This season we look to have a more balanced side.

“Matthew Taylor and Jon Slater will benefit from another year under their belts, Alan coming back gives us more options and hopefully the pro and overseas amateur will provide us with runs and wickets.”