McIntosh, who hails from the northern English city of Leeds, gets to finally achieve his ambitions as the first import in Brierly-Christ Church’s history.

The 27-year-old was influenced by Danny Lear, a Melbourne resident who ventured to England, and Bulls captain-coach Mark Murphy, to visit Australia. 

“At my club back home we had our first oversees player in 2007 and since I met him I always had a dream to come over here,” he said.

The right-handed top-order batsman played with Murphy at Bradford Cricket League club Hunslet Nelson earlier this year.

McIntosh isn’t bothered by the pressures that come with being a marquee import.

“I’m going to try and be a bit more patient (with my batting) than I was back home,” he said.

“My aim is to bat for as long as I can and put on as many runs as I can and try to challenge Nathan Murphy for the batting title.

“He has dominated the batting averages award at the Bulls in the past so I’m looking to beat him.”

McIntosh, who works as a pool lifeguard back in England, is settling into life before the Bulls kick-start their season against reigning premiers Russells Creek on Saturday. 

“I have started going down to AquaZone and getting into my swimming,” he said. “It works to keep my fitness up and hopefully I can get a job there and see if my stuff back home can translate here.”

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