A South African cricketer has travelled almost 6,000 miles to play village cricket for Hatfield Peverel - after learning of the club's existence on the internet.

Dave Kirkpatrick, a 25-year-old all-rounder from Johannesburg club Jeppe Old Boys, is already proving a big hit in the ambitious Church Road club's T Rippon Mid-Essex League Premier Division XI on Saturdays and the undefeated Osborne League fourth division side every other Sunday.

Only last week the website wonder smashed five sixes and five fours in a whirlwind 80 during a nail-biting Rippon League thriller against Great Waltham.

"I love it over here," he said.

"I came to England as a bowling all-rounder, but because of the conditions I have become more of a batting all-rounder."

Kirkpatrick's big move is already paying handsome dividends for both club and player since his his arrival in England a few weeks ago.

An international banking employee back home, but currently working for Embassy Caterers who provide most of the food at Essex County Cricket Club's matches, Kirkpatrick explained how he came across Hatfield Peverel on the internet.

He said: "A couple friends and myself were looking to come over to England for the summer and we heard from other people how we could pick out a suitable club on the internet.

"We got into the web to see what was available and as one of my own catorgories was to find a club based just outside London, Hatfield Peverel fitted the bill perfectly.

"One thing quickly led to another and after only four phone calls between the club's captain Paul Thorogood and myself I was soon on my way over to England.

"My two friends are joining me and we've found a place to live in Springfield, just outside Chelmsford."

Kirkpatrick said because of his work commitments he is only able to play in three of every five matches, but if everything goes well this summer, he is already considering stopping over for a second season.

"Hatfield Peverel have really gone out of their way to help me," he said.

"And out of loyalty to the people who took me on, if I do stay over and play again next year it will be for Hatfield Peverel.

"I have a two-year visa and am planning to stay in England for Christmas after spending a couple of weeks in the Spanish sunshine."

Only one thing has blighted his trip so far. He watched in disbelief as Zimbabwe beat his beloved South Africa in a recent World Cup match at Chelmsford.

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