SUFFOLK seam bowler Andrew McGarry has signed a contract with Essex until the end of the 2007 season.The 25-year-old returns to the county for his second stint, having started his first-class career in 1999, before being released at the end of the 2003 season.

SUFFOLK seam bowler Andrew McGarry has signed a contract with Essex until the end of the 2007 season.

The 25-year-old returns to the county for his second stint, having started his first-class career in 1999, before being released at the end of the 2003 season.

McGarry, who will now be on a dual registration, played 15 first-class matches for Essex in his first spell, taking 27 wickets.

Essex will now have first call on McGarry, placing into doubt his availability for Suffolk throughout the season.

The Basildon-born cricketer has since added one more first-class appearance for Essex when he featured in the second LV County Championship match of the season against Glamorgan at The Ford County Ground as a non-contracted player.

McGarry told the Essex CCC website: “Once you play somewhere you don't expect to get a second chance, so to get another go is really good.

“I've matured and have a bit more experience (since I was last with Essex).

“Obviously I haven't played much on the first-class scene for three years but I've played a lot of Minor Counties cricket (for Suffolk) and have learnt a bit more about myself so will hopefully come back a better bowler.”

Essex Chief Executive David East told the Essex CCC website: “Andrew has bowled well for us in our early season matches and demonstrated that he has matured as a cricketer.

“We have a number of injuries to our seam bowlers at present and Andrew's addition to the squad will give us further options over the next few months.

“We all wish him well.”