Procter gone as Red Rose land young duo

LUKE Procter has left Lancashire to join Northamptonshire on a three-year deal.

But the Red Rose have signed two players from their academy on to professional contracts.

All-rounder Procter, 29, was part of the 2011 County Championshipwinning team at Emirates Old Trafford .

However, he has struggled to secure a regular place in the first team in recent seasons, resulting in a spell on loan at Wantage Road next season where he hit three half-centuries.

Despite still having a year left on his Lancashire contract, Procter – who came through the academy at the Red Rose having played for Royton – he has made the move to the Division Two side.

“It’s not been an easy decision to leave Lancashire as it’s my boyhood club and I’m very proud to say I’ve played for the Red Rose,” said Procter, who made a total of 124 appearances for the club in all formats.

“I am very grateful for the support Lancashire has given me throughout my career and I’m looking forward to a new challenge at Northants.”

Procter scored 2,870 first-class runs in 66 matches for Lancashire, including three centuries, while also taking 74 wickets.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Josh Bohannon, 20, and pace bowler Liam Hurt, 23, have both signed their first professional contracts with Lancashire.

The duo were part of the side that won the Second XI Championship this season and also reached the semi-final of the Second XI T20 competition.

Hurt was part of the Clifton side that reached Finals Day of the ECB National Club T20 tournament this summer and took 38 wickets in 13 appearances for Lancashire Second XI.