LOWERHOUSE have moved quickly to replace Ockert Erasmus as professional by signing fellow South African Obus Pienaar for the 2020 season.

Erasmus has ended his three-year spell at the Brooks Foundation Ground by signing for cross town rivals and Lancashire League champions Burnley.

Pienaar will arrive with plenty of experience and success from previous stints in England.

The 29-year-old all rounder had a record-breaking season with Sleaford CC in the Lincolnshire Premier League in 2016, scoring 1,507 runs while the following year he helped Netherfield win the Northern League title and T20 Cup. Also in 2017, he played one game for Clitheroe - who would go on to win the title in their first season in the Lancashire League - in a tied match at Bacup.

Pienaar scored 24 and finished with bowling figures of 0-18.

The right handed batsman has 5413 First-Class runs to his name with an average of 44.7. The slow arm left spinner has also claimed 116 wickets.

Meanwhile, Erasmus is looking forward to joining Burnley - his fourth Lancashire League club having previously had spells at East Lancashire and Accrington before joining Lowerhouse.

“I’m really looking forward to the new adventure at Burnley CC and hope to build on a successful 2019 season,” he said.

Burnley won the title last season without a professional - having to rely on sub pros - but chairman David Brown is delighted to have snapped up Erasmus.

“Once we heard Ocki was available he was our number one choice.” Brown told the Burnley CC website. “He is a fine player and just the type of character we want as our professional.

“He will not only be a real asset on the pitch but also off it and both our seniors and juniors alike will undoubtedly benefit from his knowledge and experience.”

Rishton have announced that Shaun Von Berg will be returning as professional next season.

The South African was paid man at Blackburn Road in 2016 and 2017.