AN AUSTRALIAN right arm-off spinner will ply his trade in the Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League in 2020.

Tynedale Cricket Club have announced Deon Billington, from Perth, as their new overseas player for the upcoming season.

Deon, who turns 19 next month, plays for Wanneroo Districts in the Western Australia Cricket Association and comes highly recommended having represented Western Australia at U15, U17 and U19 level.

The right arm-off spinner will form an off-spinning partnership with Tynedale’s first XI captain Tom Cant following the retirement of Paul Newton and the departure of Edward Foreman to Sacriston.

Billington will also add depth to the batting line-up with his experience throughout the order.

Currently captained by ex-Australia international Travis Birt, Billington will arrive in Tynedale in April once his Wanneroo season ends in March. Captain Cant hopes he will help Tynedale improve on last year’s third place finish and boost their push for promotion to the North East Premier League.

Tynedale step up their preparations for the 2020 season with pre-season training starting on Monday at Newcastle Cricket Centre.

Local rivals Allendale will stand in the way of Tynedale progressing in the league cups after the draws threw the first and second teams together.

Tynedale will welcome Allendale to Priors Flat for the first XI tie on May 20, with Allendale returning the favour for the seconds on May 13.