Big hitter (From Free Press Series)

Big hitter

PANTEG Cricket Club have secured a major coup in signing batsman Ian Thomas.

Thomas, who scored a world-record 116 runs off 57 balls for Glamorgan against Somerset in a Twenty20 Cup match in 2004, has joined Panteg as a player/coach. His famous knock included 11 fours and seven sixes; but after Thomas was released by Glamorgan last summer he is now delighted to be able to continue playing at a less-intense level alongside Panteg captain and close friend Ian Bird.

The 26-year-old left handed opener said: "I was looking for a club and knew one or two players at Panteg so I had a word with them. Hopefully I can pass some of my experience to the team.

"I played with Newport CC from the age of 11 and I have got some good memories of my time there and I'm grateful for all they've down for me. But I just fancied a change of club and surroundings."

Since departing Sophia Gardens in 2005, Thomas has been working for the ECB as a performance lifestyle advisor - a role which takes him back to Glamorgan CCC once in a while.

Thomas added: "I've just started the new job, where I'm employed to oversee and offer help to players from Gloucester, Glamorgan, Somerset and Northants.

"In terms of cricket I'm going to miss playing but I won't miss the pressure of having to perform at first class level or having my batting under scrutiny by selectors all the time.

He added: "I'm not a 'coach' as such - but I do enjoy it and, hopefully, the training I give will help Panteg's own youngsters' development."

Bird said: "I'm very pleased to have Ian with the club. We've brought him in as the new club coach, but he'll start this summer in a player/coach role. "He's also a very close friend and I am sure that he will bring that experience to the side.

Bird added: "We already have a good young side and a history of producing good players like Glenn Adam and David Harrison who have come through our junior ranks.

"Ian will also be helping to run workshops during the summer so the juniors can learn from his experience."