Harpenden is pleased to confirm the signing of Kiwi batting all-rounder Chris Swanson for their 2023 Hertfordshire League campaign.

Swanson is an outstanding prospect who is Player/Coach of his Premier club side (Cambridge), long-time skipper of the Minor Association (Waikato Valley), and in February 2022 broke into the Northern Knights side.

Swanson has skippered Waikato Valley since the 2017/18 season, where he has dominated in the respective Brian Dunning Cup, Fergus Hickey Rosebowl, and Hawke Cup competitions. During his first year as skipper, he struck 735 runs at 122.50 with 3 centuries and highest score of 176*, before backing up with 298 runs at 74.50 with 2 further hundreds and highest score of 153 (2018/19).

He was awarded the Waikato Valley’s “Player of the Year” across both seasons. During the latter, he was also the Northern Districts Cricket Association “Cricketer of the Year” too, courtesy of topping the Fergus Hickey Rosebowl run charts for a second season on the bounce (following 485 runs at 97 the previous season).

Whilst less prolific since, Swanson continues to be a stand-out performer for the Association and his success has culminated with Northern Districts A inclusion since the 2018/19 season. He struck a 3-Day century against Auckland A that year, then came close in a one-dayer against Wellington (86) in November 2021.

At Premier club level, unsurprisingly Swanson has starred over the years. His best season to doubt was undoubtedly his run-filled 2018/19 season for Cambridge, with whom he is the current Player/Coach. He struck 742 across the three formats, including 400 at 100, with 2 centuries (HS. 175*) in the Two-Day competition.

Last summer (2021/22), Swanson struck another daddy hundred (160) to subsequently earn a Knights debut (Feb 2022). He struck 41 on his List A debut against Otago, then scores of 45, and 11 on his Plunket Shield debut against Wellington to cap off a fine summer. Whilst known for his runs, Swanson is also a handy medium pacer who takes regular wickets at Premier club level.

The talented batting all-rounder is now eager to secure regular Knight’s honours in future, and hopes another stint abroad will help aid his development.

Given this, Swanson is set to return to Northern shores next summer having signed with Harpenden for their 2023 Hertfordshire League campaign.