Cleveland County pulled off a major coup after acquiring the services of experienced all-rounders Allan Douglas Jr and Dion Stovell for the upcoming cricket season during the transfer period which expired yesterday.

The Bermuda Cricket Board has yet to announce the transfer list, however both players have confirmed they have joined Cleveland for the new campaign.

“I am gone to Cleveland and I am just happy to be back to play Eastern Counties,” said Douglas, who joins from St George’s.

“I played with them for about eight years before and won the Eastern Counties Cup back after 34 years as the skipper in 2014.”

Douglas admitted it was a hard decision leaving St George’s but at age 35 knows his career is winding down and is keen to play in the popular Eastern Counties competition again before he calls it a day.

“I haven’t played Eastern Counties for almost eight years and obviously I am close to retiring,” he added.

Douglas is one of three players joining Cleveland from St George’s, including slow left-armer Isaiah Greaves and seamer Jabari Darrell.

The explosive batter is also delighted by the arrival of Stovell, who confirmed he has joined from Southampton Rangers but has yet to speak publicly on his move.

“It’s a big plus for the league side as obviously Dion was always there for counties [as a guest player],” Douglas said.

“It gives us a morale boost for a lot of the youngsters that are already there with obviously the stature of Dion being one of the best all-rounders this island has ever seen.”

As well as batting, the pair have also bolstered Cleveland’s spin attack along with the arrival of Greaves.

Expectations will now be high at Cleveland with the acquisition of two of the league’s top players.

“Obviously, with us coming, the expectations will be high but I feel like the boys are just happy to have some experience around them and are prepared to put the work in this season,” Douglas added.

“Obviously, being in the First Division T20, we are looking to go undefeated and win that trophy.

“Winning the Premier Division 50 Overs league will always be a tall order, but I am not counting it out and survival will always be a must.”