THERE will be two new faces at Barrow this summer for the club's Northern Premier Cricket League campaign.

Grant Roelofson was initially set to return as the Ernest Pass side's professional for 2019 after scoring 886 runs last year, but has now earned a contract with South African provincial side Dolphins.

Instead, Sri Lankan batsman Dineth Thimodya fills the professional slot and South African all-rounder Justin Pringle joins as an overseas amateur.

The pair will be involved coaching Barrow's juniors too and captain Glen Kermode is hopeful they can have the same impact at Roelofson.

"Grant is a big loss, both from a club point of view and the runs he made – and his wicketkeeping ability," said Kermode.

"Dineth is young as well, so from a club point of view it's what we want. We want someone who can get involved with the junior set-up and be a bit of a role model for them, so we're hoping Dineth can fill that role.

"It's Justin's first time over here, but he wants to come over to try to progress his career. He's coming over to play as amateur and get involved on the coaching side with Dineth."

Kermode is optimistic as he prepares for his second year leading the team, aiming to build on their seventh-place finish last year.

First up is a trip to the team which finished one place above them, Garstang, and although Kermode is one of several missing the game due to team-mate Greg Reynolds' wedding.

"It was a good challenge and a good experience to captain my home club, where I was a junior and came through the ranks," said Kermode. "But, like I've said in the past, Daryl (Wearing) and the older heads like Robin (Adams) were a help."