Whiston in Shaw quit shock

Captain exits after ‘difference of opinion’

CRICKET: CAPTAIN Steve Whiston has quit Shaw CC in the Armstrongs Office Furniture Saddleworth and District Cricket League.

The 26-year-old wicketkeeper/batsman resigned after a monthly meeting at Holebottom Clough.

Whiston said he left over a “difference of opinion on the club’s current state and their plans going forward”.

His last game for Shaw was on July 10 against Friarmere when he suffered a fractured eye socket while celebrating a wicket. Whiston was accidentally caught by a flying elbow from team-mate Francis Sutherland.

He was handed a two-game ban by the club earlier in the month after an alleged altercation with a team-mate, only for it to be rescinded on appeal.

Whiston, who was in his second spell at Shaw, said: “I’m disappointed, especially after the hard work I put in on the new clubhouse over the past four months or so.

“I also signed players, including the overseas amateur (Andre Malan) and professional (Ryan Senior), but I felt as though I had no other option.

“I won’t be playing in the Saddleworth League. If things work out, I will probably end up in the Cheshire League.”

This is the second setback to hit Shaw, who sit third in the table, this season.

Impressive overseas amateur Andre Malan returned to South Africa in June because he was homesick.

The teenager had enjoyed a great start to the season and was averaging more than 50 with the bat.

Shaw president Mark Stafford said: “We are grateful to the work Steve carried out at the club and we wish him well in the future.”

A new captain will be chosen at tonight’s weekly selection meeting.