PROMINENT Dorset all-rounder Simon Woodruff has joined ECB Southern Premier Division champions St Cross Symondians from Bournemouth.

He will make his debut for the Winchester club in Saturday’s duel with the Hampshire Academy.

He made over 1,500 Southern Premier League runs and took 74 wickets in six seasons for Bournemouth, including one phenomenal all-round performance against Totton & Eling last season when followed up an unbeaten 115 with a 5-27 return with the ball.

Woodruff moved to live in Winchester last summer and works in London in property investment.

He said: “It’s sad to be leaving Bournemouth after six fantastic seasons. We’ve had some really good success as a team and the club is run by some great people.

“Chris Park has been a huge part of my personal cricket journey and Bournemouth as a club. I’ll leave very thankful for what he has done.

“Bournemouth have an array of young talent with some experienced heads in there which will no doubt have them competing for the top positions. I wish them all the best for the coming season.” 

On his transfer Woodruff continued: “I’m really excited to join St Cross and help continue the success the club has seen over recent years.

“There is a real motivation at the club to better year on year and raise personal skill levels too. There is a clear vision and St Cross are building a platform to ensure they remain a top side for the next 10-15 years and beyond.

“Having played for and against Ed Ellis for a number of years, I enjoy his leadership and the style of cricket he promotes.

“It has been evident from pre-season the squad are in a really good place and with circa 16 players in that squad, places in the team will remain competitive throughout the season.”

St Cross Symondians’ opening Premier Division title defence is against 2022 runners-up, Hampshire Academy at the Green Jackets Ground on Saturday (12.30pm).