GALA have welcomed New Zealander Rory Hawes to the club as Borders cricketers gear up for another season.

The 22-year-old student PE teacher from Christchurch will both play for the club and help coach Gala’s junior section.

He is set to make his first league start at Watsonians 2nds in an East League Division One clash on Saturday.

Rory said: “I got a bit of a shock when it started snowing during my first game at Hawick, but I am hoping the weather improves and I can help the club both on the playing and coaching fronts.”

Gala captain Kevin Gallagher added: “It looks a tougher league than last season, with Murrayfield DAFS and famous Fife club Freuchie being relegated from the Championship, while Clackmannan County and Morton have been promoted from Division Two.

“But the squad is looking forward to the challenge.”

Gala/Hawick development side play its first ever game on Saturday at Meigle Park, when they take on Penicuik 3rds in East League Division Eight.

Elsewhere, Kelso look well equipped for life in the Championship after promotion from Division One, having boosted their numbers with the signings of Australian Jimmy Takos and New Zealander Mason Hughes. The Tweedsiders face Carlton 2nds on Saturday.

St Boswells start life after their relegation to Division Two with a home game against Royal High Corstorphine 2nds, while in Division Three Rory Banks will lead Selkirk this season, with a trip to Glenrothes 2nds first up for the Souters.

There is an opening day Borders derby at Buccleuch Park in Division Five, as Hawick host Peebles County, while Melrose travel to Glenrothes 3rds in Division Six.