UPPER Wharfedale have signed Melbourne Cricket Club all-rounder Rob Cooper as their overseas player for this season.

Cooper replaces fellow Aussie Rob Hearn who scored over 1,000 runs last season to help the Grassington-based club win the Aire-Wharfe League division C title.

He is a team-mate of Matthew Pininger who played under Andrew Smith for Steeton a few years ago.

Dave Eggleton, who has replaced Smith as skipper this season, said: "Rob will join the team as a playing all rounder, but importantly will take over the coaching duties at the club.

"We hope Rob will bring not only success to the senior sides, but really push forward the junior members. Further to Rob we have signed Chris Baines from Addingham to take the gloves and Harry Smallwood, who has played for Bolton Abbey, to bolster the second team batting line-up."