Gareth Rewarded With Extended Contract
4 October 2013
Gareth Roderick has committed his future to Gloucestershire by signing an extended contract until the end of the 2016 season.
The new deal is reward for a memorable first season in county cricket for the 22-year-old South African, who has averaged 44.33 with the bat in first class cricket while establishing himself as first choice wicketkeeper in all forms of the game.
Director of Cricket John Bracewell said: “For a player who had basically been playing amateur cricket prior to joining us, Gareth has enjoyed an outstanding season.
“He was only a part-time wicketkeeper and his skills in that regard have improved immensely with the guidance of our specialist coach Jonathan Batty.
“His batting has also progressed to such an extent that he has moved up the order and shown himself capable of filling any position.”
Gareth Roderick said: “I am delighted to sign an extended contract at a time when several other players are showing their belief in the club by doing the same.
“I want to thank Jonathan Batty and Owen Dawkins for the help they have given me in coming to terms with the challenges of county cricket.
“I believe I have improved over the course of the summer, but there is still a lot of hard work to do. After a break back home in South Africa I will be returning to Bristol in November to start that work, together with the rest of the squad.”
Gareth joined Gloucestershire on an initial two-year contract after excelling with the bat for Cheltenham in the West of England Premier League during the 2012 season.
His only previous experience of first class cricket came in South Africa where he played 12 matches.
