By Alex Rust

GRAMPOUND Road Cricket Club have announced that Sri Lankan overseas player Ravi Karunarathna is coming back in 2027 as they look for an immediate return to the ECB Cornwall Premier League.

Having gone up in 2023, the Roadies narrowly survived a year later, but the summer just gone saw them finish 16 points of adrift of ninth-placed St Just after a thrilling end to the season.

A club spokesperson said: “Nicknamed ‘The Legend’, Ravi has made a huge contribution as the club’s official overseas player since joining in 2018. He’s a consistent performer having scored over 3,100 runs and taken over 170 wickets in all competitions.

“Off the pitch, he offers hours and hours of coaching, endless inspiration for all ages and brings a genuine passion and enthusiasm for the game. His annual curry night is always a highlight of the season. His smile is often the first thing people will see when entering the clubhouse. The club is hugely excited to see Ravi return for 2027.”

The club have also gone down the UK passport route by recruiting New Zealander Chester Oldfield.

A talented wicket-keeper and top-order batter from New Plymouth, Chester turned on last year for Plymstock Cricket Club in the Devon Cricket League B Division, making 861 runs at a shade of over 45 with nine fifty-plus scores.

Club chair Lewis Sanders added: “It is a really exciting time for the club. We want every team to be more than merely competitive, but to be dominant, promotion across the board is our main aim. We are continuing to create opportunities for our players to develop and succeed.

“We’re very pleased with the signings of Ravi and Chester and we’re working hard behind the scenes to attract more high quality players to the club.”