Lisburn win race to sign Steve Lazars

The Wallace Park club have beaten off competition from Civil Service North to land the former Ballymena star.

Lazars left Eaton Park midway through last season to return to India for personal reasons, and without him Ballymena went on to lose their battle against relegation.

But after indicating that he was keen to return to the NCU, it is understood a number of clubs were interested in his signature.

However, Lazars’ personal friendship with his former Ballymena teammate Carl Williams, the Lisburn veteran, was an important factor in him plumping for the Wallace Park outfit.

A Lisburn spokesperson said “We are delighted that Steve has decided to join us. His years at Ballymena have identified him as a very able performer with both bat and ball, and he will add experience and depth to our lineup for the season.”

Lazars played five matches last season, making 171 runs at an average of more than 34, with a top score of 91 against North Down. With his left-arm spinners, Lazars took five wickets with a best of 2-34.

In 2014 Lazars had a particularly impressive campaign, making 454 runs at an average of 37.83, including four half-centuries. He also took 13 wickets with a best of 6-29.