Richmond CC are thrilled to announce the first signing of the winter and it’s overseas player, Eric Botha.

Eric is an exciting quick bowler and valuable lower middle order batsman. A consistent performer in Australian Grade cricket for some time, Eric proved his versatility in 2023, with a stellar debut UK season for Widnes Cricket Club 1st XI, taking 47 wickets and scoring 380 runs .

One of the premier quicks on the Perth Grade circuit, Eric made his Western Australia U19 debut in 2019, proving an instant hit. He finished the season as WA’s leading wicket taker, including a hattrick and ‘5 for’ against South Australia. A fixture in the strong South Perth A Grade side over the last few seasons, South Perth finished the 2022/23 season as runner up in the Grand Final at the WACA. Whilst losing was a bitter pill to swallow, Eric took great personal pride in his performance as he finished with match figures of 8 for 58.

Eric was keen to return to the UK in 2024 where he had set his sights on playing in London and was looking for a vibrant and ambitious premier league club. Both club and players believe we have found a great match.

Director of Cricket, Adam London, is over the moon that Eric has decided to join the club for the 2024 season – “[b]Working with Head of Cricket Steve Deakin, we set out a clear mandate of the type of cricketer and person we wanted. We spoke to a number of players and Eric was the standout. We are delighted that he is joining us next year and as we look to re-establish ourselves in the Premier League, we are sure he will have a positive impact both on and off the pitch[/b”.

Away from the field, Eric is a keen coach and he will be working closely with Adam and our wider junior section. We welcome Eric to the Richmond family, and look forward to seeing him in action at Old Deer Park.