SCCC sign Jim Allenby

SCCC are thrilled to announce that they've signed all rounder Jim Allenby from Glamorgan on a permanent basis.

The 32 year old England-qualified Australian is a proven performer, as throughout his career in First Class cricket he averages over 40 with the bat and has taken 254 wickets at 25.79 runs each in the 121 games he has played. In 2013 he scored more than 1000 runs and took 26 wickets, while last season he scored 969 runs and took 54 wickets in the LV= County Championship.

Allenby also has an impressive record in One-Day cricket and in his 95 List A matches he averages 26.20 with the bat and 31.85 with the ball, while in T20 cricket he has scored 2500 runs at 32.09 and claimed 52 wickets at 32.40.

His First Class career began at Leicestershire County Cricket Club where he played between 2006 and 2009, before moving onto Glamorgan, where he's consistently finished near the top of both the batting and bowling averages.

Matt Maynard, SCCC's Director of Cricket, said: “I am delighted that Jim is joining us. Not only is he an outstanding player in all formats, he is a great bloke and a strong character and I am sure he will play a key part in helping us to build a cohesive and successful team.”

“Whilst not a like for like replacement for Nick Compton, there is no doubt in my mind that Jim is a superb acquisition to a very talented Somerset squad.”

Jim Allenby said: “I am delighted to be joining Somerset which is a Club I hold in extremely high regard. My aspirations are to win trophies and I am really looking forward to helping Somerset strive to achieve that objective.”

In parallel, Somerset’s Craig Meschede will join Glamorgan on loan for the 2015 season.

The 22 year old who came through the Academy and made his senior debut in 2011 had limited opportunities at the SCCC last summer and will join Glamorgan for 2015 with a view to him playing more first team cricket.

SCCC Cricket Director Maynard said: “Craig has been brilliant in recognising that a loan to Glamorgan will enable him to play more first team matches than was likely at Somerset next season.”

“The maturity and enthusiasm which he has displayed since I raised the possibility of a loan move with him has been heartening and I am sure he will grow in stature and experience during the 2015 season.”

Craig Meschede said: “Whilst it will be tough to leave Somerset albeit on loan, I am relishing the opportunity of developing my skills as a professional cricketer and I am really looking forward to the challenges and excitement of joining Glamorgan for the season.”

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Spencer Bishop on 01823 42531601823 42531601823 42531601823 425316.