HALESOWEN have snapped up Harry Ellison, son of former Kent and England seamer Richard, to bolster their side ahead of the new season.

Ellison joins after talking to Will Barrett, who is skipper of his University side and will also be turning out for Halesowen this year.

A middle order batsman and occasional bowler, Ellison joins from Somerset side Glastonbury who play in the West of England Premier League where he scored over 400 runs last season in 14 knocks at a healthy 30 average.

And he said: "I share a house in Cambridge with Will Barrett and, of course, we play together for the University.

"We'll travel together to matches and now the weather has improved I can't wait for the season to start, in earnest."

Ellison joins former Brockhampton duo Barrett and Ben Stebbings at Halesowen this season - and Chairman Richard Evans says the club aren't finished yet with new faces.

He said:"We are delighted that Harry has agreed to join us and we look forward to welcoming him and his father to the club in due course.

"It's fair to say though we'll be looking to Harry to do the business with the bat, rather than the ball!

"We are still talking to another player and hope to bring that deal to a conclusion in the very near future.

"Harry's signing, together with that of Ben and Will, are our just reward for the massive effort put in behind the scenes this winter."

The season opens this Sunday, April 12, when the club host Barrow CC who are on a pre-season tour and play in the Cheshire League.

Halesowen's Birmingham League season starts on Saturday, April 25 when the first XI travel to Tamworth whilst the second XI host the reverse fixture.

Meanwhile tickets are selling fast for the club's first-ever Darts Exhibition with charismatic former World semi-finalist Wayne 'Hawai 501' Mardle on Wednesday, April 29.

The evening will also feature a Q&A with the Sky Sports pundit along with a raffle and auction.

Tickets, priced £10, are available from the club or from any club official.