Royton busy on players front

Cricket: ROYTON have moved quickly to sign a replacement professional for the inaugural Pennine Cricket League after the collapse of their initial plans.

The Paddock outfit thought they had secured a pro with India’s Paras Dogra, but the arrangement fell through when Dogra signed to play in the lucrative Indian Premier League.

Royton had to look elsewhere and they have found Dogra’s fellow countryman, Chirag Khurana, a top-order batsman and off break bowler who plays for the Maharashtra club - at which former Royton professional and Test selector Surrendra Bhave started his career.

Royton have also announced that former Crompton star Denis Louis will be their overseas amateur in 2016. The West Indian enjoyed four successful seasons at neighbours Crompton, scoring big runs and often taking the gloves behind the stumps. He replaces Australian Sam Fielding, who will not return to the Paddock.

Off spinner Callum Porteous will be at college in London this summer and is expected to look for a southern club to play for. His absence will be balanced by the return to the Paddock of Joe Lovell after several successful seasons at Heywood, the latter having joined the Manchester Premier League.

Opening batsman Paul Winrow, who played with Royton skipper Denny Hulme at Milnrow, makes a short transfer from Elland, attracted by the PCL, while a further boost for Royton sees the return of batsman Ryan Carruthers.

Cumbrian Carruthers, who had short spells at Royton while he was studying at Manchester University, recently moved nearer to the club. and is looking forward to renewing friendships at the Paddock after seasons at Penrith CC and his home town club, Cockermouth.