Paid men sweat on new deals

Photo: Chris Sunderland

PRICE IS RIGHT . . . Norden professional Michael Price leg glances his Werneth counterpart Darren Shadford during Saturday’s match at the Coppice.

CRICKET: WITH only six matches to go and the battle for the Subsidiary Trophy about to start, officials at the 16 Lake Garage CLL clubs will be mulling over their seasons and plotting for 2011.

And that means it’s getting close to decision time over the futures of the various professionals, many of whom will be hoping for a renewal of their contracts.

Some, of course, will look to go elsewhere for more money after successful campaigns, while there will be others who will not be able to make the return trip to England.

Starting with the four local clubs, here is a brief rundown of the paid men’s performances in 2010 . . .

LUKE PROCTER (Royton): Lancashire commitments have affected Procter’s season, but he has been steady, particularly with the bat, averaging over 50.

MOHAMMED HANIF (Oldham): It is never easy to find your best form in an under-achieving side, but Hanif has been ordinary. Averages just over 20 with the bat and his wickets have cost more than runs 22 apiece.

DARREN SHADFORD (Werneth): Nowhere near the force of old and struggled during the first half of the season when affected by a couple of injuries. Has improved lately, however, particularly with the bat.

MATT NEEDHAM (Crompton): Like Hanif, Needham has found it tough in a side which has struggled to compete against their CLL rivals. Started pretty well, but has faded and bottom place in the batting and bowling averages is an unwanted double.

MICHAEL PRICE (Norden): Tops the batting averages and is third in the bowling stats. A revelation for the league leaders.

CLINTON PERREN (Littleborough): Well over 1,500 runs to his name, he also captains the side for which he has a strong affection. Top drawer.

DUMINDA PERERA (Walsden): Has given his club value for money with over 1,000 runs and 50 wickets. A fine campaign.

KULDEEP DIWAN (Milnrow): Much better bowler than batsman and helped his side to Wood Cup success.

CRAIG SPEARMAN (Rochdale): Averaging over 50 and fourth in the bowling averages, so he has justified his signing.

PAUL GREEN (Monton and Weaste): Over 1,000 runs in his first season as paid man. Bowling has limitations.

HENDRO PUCHERT (Clifton): Not the most eyecatching of professionals, but a good team man who has helped his side to a successful season.

CALVIN FLOWERS (Unsworth): Only limited success in both disciplines, but a steadying influence in a young team.

RAJAT BHATIA (Heywood): Fine season with the ball, he has underachieved as a batsman.

ANWAR UL-HAQ (Radcliffe): More effective as a bowler, but has made some decent contributions with the bat.

IMRAN JAMIEL (Ashton): Rare in that he is a professional who does not bowl. Keeps wicket and averages around 20 with the bat.

Middleton have had to do with stand-in professionals, most notably Bacup’s Michael Smith.