Glendermott strengthen promotion bid with double signing

Glendermott have signalled their determination to return to the North West Premiership with a double signing that sees Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Sukitha Manoj Prasanna arrive as their new overseas professional alongside opening bowler Mark Averill.

The Rectory side came agonisingly close to a memorable 2026 campaign, only to suffer heartbreak in both the Championship promotion play-off against Coleraine and the Irish National Cup final.

However, the latest additions suggest Glendermott are determined to go one better in 2027, although they face fierce competition in what promises to be another fascinating Championship battle.

The 24-year-old Prasanna replaces South African Blayde Cappell and arrives with an impressive pedigree in Sri Lankan domestic cricket. The former Sri Lanka Under-19 representative has played 26 first-class matches, scoring 1,020 runs at an average of 26.84, including two centuries.

He has also represented Jaffna in the National Super League and Kalutara Town Club, while his leadership qualities have been recognised with the captaincy of Panadura Sports Club's Under-23 side. Crucially, he already has experience of British conditions, having enjoyed a productive debut season with Woodbank CC in 2025. Prasanna scored 673 runs at an average of 32.05 during that campaign and will be hoping to build on that experience when he takes on the challenge of North West cricket.

His arrival should provide Glendermott with much-needed quality and stability in their batting line-up.

The capture of Mark Averill is another significant boost, with the opening bowler making the switch from Donemana after just one season. He will link up with brother Craig, whose experience and all-round ability have already proved valuable to the Waterside club.

The brothers' reunion adds another interesting dimension to a squad that certainly won't lack ambition. Glendermott showed throughout 2026 that they were capable of competing with the best, but ultimately fell short when the major prizes were decided. The addition of a proven first-class batter and another specialist opening bowler should strengthen their hand considerably.

With several clubs already making significant moves in the transfer market, promotion will be anything but straightforward. Nevertheless, Glendermott look certain to be among the leading contenders when the battle for Premiership cricket resumes next April.