Sutton is pleased to confirm the signing of Clapham-based kiwi all-rounder, Chris Swanson, for their 2024 Surrey Championship campaign.

Prior to relocating to the UK (April 2023) using his Ancestry Visa, he was 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 skippered Waikato Valley (2017/18 onwards), where he 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 thereafter, Swanson continued to be a stand-out performer for the Association and his success culminated with Northern Districts A inclusion (2018/19). 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 starred over the years. His best season to doubt was undoubtedly his run-filled 2018/19 season for Cambridge striking 742 across the three formats, including 400 at 100, with 2 centuries (HS. 175*) in the Two-Day competition.

In 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 (and brisk) medium pacer who takes regular wickets at Premier club level.

The talented batting all-rounder headed abroad in 2023 and excelled for Harpenden in the Hertfordshire League campaign. Whilst bowling opportunities were limited, he excelled in the middle order hitting 516 runs at 46.91.

Swanson is a class act who is looking to impress in the Surrey Premier next summer for Sutton.