Matt finish - but rest play waiting game
Reporter: Keith McHigh
Date published: 02 September 2010
CRICKET:
CROMPTON, who are sure to finish bottom of the Lake Garage CLL this season even if they win their two remaining games, have told professional Matthew Needham he will not be needed in 2011.
The South African, who holds a British passport, has had a disappointing summer and is at the bottom of the league’s bowling averages and third from bottom in batting.
Needham has been hamstrung in a team nowhere near as strong as in previous years.
The loss of star all-rounder Simon Wright to Bamford Fieldhouse, fast bowler Ryan Mayes to Royton and wicket-keeper Dane Fletcher to Oldham severely weakened a team which has also been hit by the absence of an overseas amateur.
Moves are now afoot to ensure Crompton are a much stronger unit in 2011.
ROYTON say a decision on the professional front is “imminent”.
Lancashire’s emerging star Luke Procter has been paid man at the Coppice for a third season, but his increasing involvement with the Red Rose county have limited his appearances for the club.
As the 21-year-old can be expected to be given first-team opportunities for Lancashire next summer, the situation poses a dilemma for Royton.
OLDHAM have had a more successful season than the current CLL table would suggest – they were deducted 15 points over the Keelan Gossayn issue – but they have yet to decide whether to retain the services of Mohammed Hanif as professional in 2011.
As usual, Oldham’s financial situation is not great, which severely hampers their ability to secure a paid man.
To make matters worse, their bowling spearhead, Mel Whittle, is retiring from cricket at the end of the season, so it is obvious where the club’s priorities lie.
WERNETH also face a tricky situation with regard to the future of Darren Shadford.
The former Lancashire all-rounder would not have commanded huge wages for a club with its own financial issues but, after an injury-hit first half of the season, Shadford has made some important contributions.
Werneth, boasting some improving amateurs, have performed with credit to lie in seventh place and may be happy with the squad they have - including their current professional.
