Allenby won over by Glam's ambition.

Byline: Gareth Griffiths 

NEW Glamorgan recruit James Allenby has revealed the credentials of Glamorgan cricket manager Matthew Maynard helped him sign for the Welsh county.

The Australian-born rounder, who has qualified to play for England, has joined Glamorgan initially on loan until the end of the season before taking up a three-year deal with the Welsh county until 2012.

Allenby revealed Maynard had sold the Glamorgan dream to him ahead of other counties who were also chasing the signature of the 26-year-old.

"The coach was a big draw because he has a great reputation having worked with England," said Allenby.

"The Test match ground was also massive for me while the ambitions of the club who want to play in the first division and win trophies.

"So it was quite an easy decision for me.

"And the lads have been brilliant, while the coaching staff have been excellent and very welcoming."

Allenby, who will be unavailable for next week's five days cricket against former club Leicestershire, has moved to put Glamorgan supporters minds at rest by insisting he is committed to Glamorgan after his initial loan period ended at the end of the season.

"The contract has been agreed so the deal is going to go ahead," insisted Allenby.

"It is all done. All we need to do is print out and sign it."

Allenby made his first major contribution to his new side yesterday after scoring 55 on the third day of Glamorgan's county championship clash against Northamptonshire, with the promotion-chasing Dragons chasing a third consecutive victory today.

The new recruit top-scored with Mike Powell in Glamorgan's first innings total of 383 where all 10 dismissed Dragons batsmen reached double figures.

Allenby smashed his half-century from 50 balls, including 10 fours, while Powell's innings was in stark contrast, lasting 171 balls as Glamorgan consolidated on another weather-affected day.

Discarded England slow left-armer Monty Panesar recorded a county championship summer best with his first three-wicket haul.

The hosts started their second innings with a deficit of 33 and lost Rob White early for nine before bad light stopped play with Northants 19 for one.

Glamorgan started on 149 for three and only scored nine runs in as many overs prior to a 50-minute break for rain.

Skipper Nicky Boje immediately turned to spin afterwards and the decision paid dividends as he trapped Jamie Dalrymple for 27 with the score at 196 for four.

Powell completed his slow half-century before lunch but did not last much longer after the interval falling to Jack Brooks.

Incoming batsmen Allenby smashed 28 from two David Lucas overs as he passed 50 from just 44 balls. The Australian added 87 with wicketkeeper Mark Wallace but just as Glamorgan looked to be running away with the match, Northants struck three times in the space of 10 overs.

Allenby, Wallace and Robert Croft were all clean bowled by David Wigley, Panesar and Brooks respectively as they found movement and bounce.

Despite a flurry of wickets, Glamorgan progressed beyond Northants' total of 350 before losing James Harris to wicketkeeper Riki Wessels for 26 off the bowling of South African Andrew Hall.

Seamer Adam Shantry hit a valiant 32 off 47 balls before becoming Panesar's third victim as Glamorgan were bowled out in the 123rd over with a lead of 33.

Northants began their second innings in the worst possible fashion with Harris trapping White lbw.

However, it did not last much longer with Stephen Peters and Alex Wakely taking the light 14 runs behind after seven overs.

CAPTION(S):

New recruit James Allenby said boss Matthew Maynard sold him the Glammy dream