Khan lands Royton deal

LET’S HAND IT TO LUKE: Royton team-mates gather to say goodbye to out-going pofessional Luke Procter.

CRICKET: 

ROYTON have wasted no time in replacing outgoing professional Luke Procter.

The Paddock outfit have snapped up Mohammad Zaman Khan for next season — but supporters will get to see him in action this weekend.

The ex-Crompton pro (29), who has appeared for Royton four times, will play in Sunday’s Lake Garage CLL finale at Heywood.

Fans may recall Khan’s star performance against Oldham in May 2010, when he scored an unbeaten 90 and claimed six for 38.

He joins the club after two successful seasons at Northern League side Darwen, with Procter (22) departing due to his Lancashire commitments.

Royton’s cricket chairman Barry Sandiford-Mitchell said: “There were a few candidates to replace Luke, but Mohammad was always our first choice.

“He has performed well in previous appearances for Royton, taking 13 wickets and averaging 80 runs. He also has a proven track record, having scored thousands of runs over the last few seasons.

“The fact he lives in Shaw was also an important factor in reaching our decision.

“We are delighted he has signed for next season although in a way his job starts against Heywood on Sunday.

That is probably a good thing because he will get a little taste for it instead of coming in cold next season.”

Meanwhile, Royton club chairman Tony Spence has hailed the contribution made by Procter over six memorable years which saw him make the transition from promising youngster to Lancashire first team squad member.

“Luke has been fantastic for this club and it is important to recognise just how much he has helped our young players,” said Spence.

“They look at Luke’s progression and it makes them realise anything is possible — as long as they put in the same amount of hard work.

“He is a driven lad who was the first one in the nets come rain or shine. The club will miss him and I know he will miss the club.”






FAILSWORTH Macedonia’s home clash with Elton Vale in the Site Electrical North Manchester League was abandoned due to heavy rain.



Chasing 212, the hosts were on 109 for six when the weather intervened.

Failsworth are ninth in the table, with 27 points.