Werneth pro flies home

GOTCHA! Kash Weeraratne celebrates the vital wicket of Simon Wright during Rochdale’s Wood Cup semi-final victory over Crompton. The Sri Lankan professional has this week agreed terms with the Redbrook club for next season. Picture by ALAN RYDER.

WERNETH’S latest professional, Humayun Farhat, has returned home to Pakistan following news that his father has suffered a heart attack.

Skipper Andy Walker said: “We don’t know how bad it is, so there is a chance that he might not come back.”

Werneth lined up Bacup’s Ryan Broad for last Saturday’s game at Walsden, but the Aussie was not needed as downpours ruled out any chance of play.

Werneth have had an interrupted season with their professionals.

Their original choice, Roelof van der Merwe, never played a game because of selection for the South African national team and a shoulder injury, while his stand-in and fellow countryman Pierre Joubert had to return home after nine games during which he was a huge hit with the club and players.

Once van der Merwe’s non-appearance was confirmed in June, the South African’s agent fixed up Werneth with Farhat.

“He’s a great guy who wants to do well and wears his heart on his sleeve,” said Walker. “He has been very popular with the players.”

The skipper has been busy trying to arrange a professional for Werneth’s home game against Clifton on Saturday and moves are also being made to secure a paid man for the 2010 season.

“Hopefully we will be able to announce a signing in the next fortnight or so,” said Walker.

Crompton, meanwhile, are hopeful of retaining Mohammed Zaman Khan as their pro for 2010.

The Pakistani has enjoyed a fine season so far, scoring 730 runs at 45.63 and taking 50 wickets at 15.76.


ROCHDALE have signed Kash Weeraratne as their professional for next season.

The Sri Lankan all-rounder joined the Redbrook club halfway through the current campaign and has been sufficiently impressive to be awarded a contract for 2010.

Weeraratne helped Rochdale to a money-spinning John Willie Lees Wood Cup final against Monton and Weaste on Sunday during which he hit 46 and took three for 55.


SECOND-placed Heywood will be without professional Brendan Taylor for three crucial matches during their title challenge.

Taylor has returned to Zimbabwe to play in the forthcoming one-day series against Bangladesh.

He will miss Saturday’s home game against Littleborough, the following Saturday’s crucial home clash with third-placed Monton and Weaste and the next day’s trip to Radcliffe.

Heywood are still looking for a replacement.