Yorkshire bowler Ben Coad agrees to join Harrogate in Yorkshire Premier League North

The 23-year-old will lead Harrogate's attack in the inaugural Yorkshire League North season this summer.

The signing was a significant show of intent by St George's Roaders, who beat off competition from fierce rivals York to secure the services of the opening bowler.

'Gate captain George Ross said: "We identified at time last year that our bowling wasn't on song. We needed a strike bowler to help us win games.

"I have played with Ben through the Yorkshire Academy and we are great friends. Ultimately, that's why we have been able to get him.

"He's a perfect fit at Harrogate, and offers great control but also threatens with the new ball with his extreme movement."

Coad represented York during the 2013 and 2014 seasons but rejoined his junior club Studley Royal last season in a bid to help them reach the new County Premier structure.

However, Royal were inconsistent performers in the York and District Senior League, with Coad unable to bring the wickets his low economy rate often deserved.

He has been involved with Yorkshire since his teenage years and signed a contract extension Coad will be vying for more first team opportunities at Yorkshire next season.

He made his one-day debut for the county in June 2013 and made an impression in the T20 format last year after Yorkshire's hopes of quarter final qualification were ended.

However, the 22-year-old has yet to make a County Championship appearance for the White Rose.

Ross said: "He was looking for a club to play at the highest level possible, and he will be wanting to play as much as possible to try and force his way into the Yorkshire first team.

"There were quite a few clubs that were in for him so we are lucky to have him."

Ross has also added 16-year-old wicketkeeper Eitan Litvin to his Harrogate squad.

Harrogate were without a stumper after Jack Potter returned home from university at the end of last season and Australian Connor Ryan filled the void temporarily.

Litvin is involved with the Yorkshire youth set up and was recommended to Harrogate by former Yorkshire coach Andy Rowsell.

On the lower-order batsman, Ross added: "He will fit perfectly into the first team. He's a young player with a great attitude who brings a buzz to the team.

"Hopefully it will prove to be a great signing but there won't be a great deal of pressure on young Eitan's shoulders. We needed a keeper, and they don't grow on trees."

Meanwhile, Sam Davies has left St George's Road to team up with fellow ex-Gate players Vic Craven and Ryan Bradshaw at Bilton.

Davies took 24 wickets at an average of 20.67 in the 2015 season and made a high score of 71 in the T20 Finals Day semi-final against Cleethorpes.

Batsman Jimmy Latham has finished his studies at Leeds Beckett University and has also left Harrogate.