Van still the man for us, say Werneth

Lake Garage CLL

WERNETH have dismissed rumours that South African star Roelof van der Merwe will not be joining them at the end of this month.

Van der Merwe, who will play against England in the Super 8s of the Twenty20 World Cup at Trent Bridge tonight, signed as Coppice professional for the Lake Garage CLL season.

But selection for the Bangalore Royal Challengers in the Indian Premier League and South Africa in the Twenty20 World Cup has delayed his arrival at the Coppice.

His South African compatriot and Titans team-mate Pierre Joubert was a successful stand-in for the first nine games of the season, but has gone home so Werneth are currently relying on deputy professionals.

With the World Twenty20 final taking place on Sunday June 21, van der Merwe will be available to fulfil the remainder of his Werneth contract, starting in the home game against Heywood on Saturday, June 27.

And Werneth expect him to do just that despite claims, particularly from rival supporters, that the South African will not show up.

Some have even posted messages on the Chronicle website, prompting Werneth skipper Andy Walker to say: “I have seen them and it is laughable really.

“We haven’t been told he is not coming. Nothing has changed and Pierre Joubert has spoken to Roelof.”

Van der Merwe’s arrival at Werneth will be greeted with huge anticipation, particularly if he can help his country to Twenty20 glory.

He has already made an impact on the tournament, winning the man-of-the-match award against New Zealand on Tuesday for his two for 14 from four overs of slow left-arm bowling.

On the flip side, van der Merwe was dismissed for a duck, being bowled by Nathan McCullum.

Although the World Twenty20 is capturing the imagination of the public, CLL officials will be hoping their own version is able to get under way tomorrow night (6.15) after last Friday’s wash-out which led to bowl-outs and the tossing of coins.

Locally, Werneth entertain Royton at the Coppice, while Oldham go to Ashton and Crompton have home advantage against Littleborough.