Woodvale have confirmed that former Carrickfergus star Pat Botha will be their overseas professional for the 2020 season.
Botha, who scored 1496 runs in three seasons at Carrick at an average of 41.56, will have a huge role to play as the Ballygomartin Road men step up to the Robinson Services Premier League for the first time since 2009.
They dominated Section One in 2019, winning 14 of their 18 matches to finish 16 points clear of second-placed Templepatrick.
Botha could be viewed as the perfect man for the job at Woodvale having already had experience of the league and the South African all-rounder will know exactly what is required at the higher level.
The 29-year-old is a left-handed batsman and also bowls right-arm spin, with his First Class record showing what a consistent and proven performer he is.
In 101 matches, Botha has scored 5471 runs at an average of 42.08 and scored 106* for Free State on October 10.
Botha, who was hampered by a thumb injury during his last season with Carrick, was due to spend the 2019 campaign in Leinster with Balbriggan but ultimately that move didn’t come to fruition due to another injury.
Woodvale already have Premier League experience in their squad with the likes of Stephen Bunting and Wayne Horwood.
JM Sport 