Swardeston are delighted to announce the return of Sri Lankan Sagi Rajaguru as our overseas club professional for the third year running
Last summer Sagi finished as the top wicket-taker in all formats in the Thurlow Nunn East Anglian Premier League bagging 54 wickets in all EAPL competitions at an average of 16.24. Surprisingly no five-wicket hauls across the season but he did claim four wickets in an innings four times and three wickets seven times.
Sagi also recorded 673 runs across the summer with nine catches and three run-outs as well. His season-best score was a brilliant 115 in the home win over Wisbech.
Swardeston 1st XI captain Lewis Denmark said: “As a first team, we’re thrilled to have Sagi returning to Norfolk for a third consecutive season in 2024. There is no doubting his quality on the pitch having been EAPL leading wicket-taker in 2022 and in the top three during the title-winning season last summer. He also found a settled role as a batter in the middle order last year which suited his attacking game and saw him score his maiden century for the club.
“Whilst good on the pitch, Sagi fits into the Swardeston way perfectly and has been a key influence off the pitch since joining in 2022. He is a great teammate who cares about the club and is driven to making it as good as it possibly can be. An inspiration to young junior cricketers at Swardeston, we look forward to seeing Sagi again in April.”
Sagi said: “Obviously I am so excited for the 2024 season and can’t wait to see The Common and the lads soon. The EAPL is such a competitive league and we all know we have to be on duty each and every game which is the beauty of it.
“Conditions change every match and it’s so challenging for bowlers especially. To win the title was a massive achievement. We have a solid team and the best thing is we enjoy our time on and off the field which is the most important thing for all of us.
“During my winter in Sri Lanka I have been lucky enough to play some cricket with former Vauxall Mallards player Indika de Saram. He was my coach and I personally learnt so much from him.”
Sagi joined Swardeston in 2022 from March Town where he played in 2018, 2019 and 2021.
Also a Level 2 ECB qualified coach Sagi last year managed our Swardeston CEYMS Under-15 team and was assistant coach for our Women and Girls teams.
