Glaswegian 2009 Overseas Star: Andrew Ellis was pure Kiwi gold

Dec 17 2009

Whoever first suggested the name of Andrew Ellis to the West of Scotland cricket club's committee deserves a medal as the Kiwi gamble came up trumps.

Ellis, our top overseas star for 2009, came to Glasgow as an unknown quantity having been signed as West's designated foreign professional.

The New Zealander quickly showed the West faithful that they had indeed struck gold with some blistering displays with both bat and ball averaging 53 and 17 respectively.

Coming into the Premier League from Division One had many tipping the Partick aces to struggle but Ellis' talents ensured they would contend for the title which they narrowly lost to Aberdeenshire. Youth coach Jim Young said: "You never know what you're going to get with a new pro and we were very lucky to land a talent like Andrew. It was just by pure word of mouth that we heard about him and he had good references from a lot of respected figures.

"Obviously the club has had some pros who have gone on to be superstars like South Africa's Clive Rice for instance, but in recent history, I'd say that Andrew is one of the best we have had.

"He was very consistent and gave confidence to the rest of the team because you knew he would grab you runs and produce a very tight and clinical bowling spell.

"I don't think we could afford him for next year but, he was a credit to West and we wish him well."

Previous Winners

2005: Yasir Arafat (Clydesdale CC)

2006: Rob Yanders (Glasgow Rocks)

2007: Sterling Davis (Glasgow Rocks)

2008: Grant Robinson (W.o.Scotland CC)