Weston signs a new deal at Gloucestershire

Phil Weston has signed a new three-year deal with Gloucestershire. Weston, 31, joined the county for the 2003 season as a left-handed opening bat to provide solidity to the line-up.

"Philip has played really well for us since arriving in April 2003," said Tom Richardson, Gloucestershire's chief executive. "He is a key player as we look to develop the squad further."

In September this year, Weston lifted Gloucestershire to their fourth C&G Trophy success in six years with an unbeaten 110. And his average of more than 35 in the County Championship was enough to earn him the extension to his contract.

"I am delighted to commit for the next three years to a club that is going in the right direction," said Weston, "and look forward to continued success on a personal and team level."

Weston joined Gloucestershire after 11 years with Worcestershire, where he found first-team opportunities hard to come by in 2002. This was despite striking more than 1000 runs the previous year for the fourth time in his career.