Dawn of new Lancashire era

WEATHER permitting seven former Pennine League clubs will enter a new era tomorrow as members of the JW Lees Lancashire League.

A bit of a respite in the rainy season has raised hopes that the first fixtures of the season will be played, and if that is the case Rochdale could not have had a tougher start.

They are down for an away game against Lowerhouse, who challenged for the title last season and shared the Lancashire Knockout trophy following a washed out final with Ormskirk.

Lowerhouse had a strong squad last term, and they have strengthened it with the signing of former professional Francois Haasbroek.

Rochdale have made changes in closed season.

Dale Highton, one of the most effective spinners in local league cricket, has joined Middleton, while veteran opening bowler Mo Bux will be back at Todmorden where ex Littleborough, also the England and Lancashire player Chris Schofield will be professional.

Back with Rochdale will be Steve Oddy who was in the Lancashire Knockout winning Denton West team a couple of seasons ago. It is possible he will open the bowling attack with Chris Hartley who has moved from Norden.

Another signing has been Jamie Roach who was previously with Littleborough.

South African Ed Moore will be professional at Redbrook, and skipper will be the popular Michael Harling who said the club aimed to compete well on all fronts “With a young aggressive side, strength in all departments, and a never say die attitude.”

Norden go on the road to play Rawtenstall, who had to seek re-election.

Norden have lost four players from the squad which started last season.

Opening bowler Martin Smith announced his retirement as a player just before the season ended, all-rounder Rehan Udwadia moved to Ramsbottom, Chris Hartley joined Rochdale, and wicketkeeper Ashley Gowers joined the ranks.

Gowers has been replaced by Lee Crabtree who arrives at Stag Park from Milnrow. Lee was with Norden as a junior player.

Jake Sandham, an allrounder from Monton and Weaste, will be the club’s first English professional since Peter Wood in 1982.

Crabtree and Sandham are the only newcomers, although Dan Buckley, who was man of the match in the 2015 Wood Cup final, will be available again after completing his studies.

Captain will again be the vastly experienced Hashum Malik who said: “We will treat all our opponents with the same respect. We will have a mix of experienced and young players, and hopefully the same spirit which was shown towards the end of last season when we had to play without a professional for a time.”

Littleborough have a home start against Burnley who will have Asif Zakir as professional and last season’s pro Chris Holt in the amateur ranks.

Boro will have South African Thomas Kaber as professional professional, and captain will be Clinton Perren, who said: “We have a core group of young players who have come through our ranks together. With time and experience they will develop into a strong squad.”

Boro have signed three players – Callum Rushton from Walsden, Dan Rowe from Bacup, and Alex Willis from Milnrow.

Aaron Brown will be in his first season as Milnrow captain. He recognises it could be a tough season for his young and talented squad, but hopefully an enjoyable one.

Niel Hornbuckle, yet another South African coming into the league, will be professional at Ladyhouse, and Max Power has rejoined the club from Heyside.

Walsden, last season’s Pennine League champions, will again have Umesh Karunaratne as professional. Martin Harlow and Oliver Whitehead have joined from Todmorden.

Chris Williams stays on as Middleton professional, with George Walker as captain, while Aubrey Swanepoel will be paid man for Crompton who have Simon Wright as captain.

For one season only all 24 teams will be in one division. Clubs will play each other once, either at home or away. The top 12 teams at the end of the season will go into the top division for 2019.

Lanka) Janith Liyanage (Sri

Ernest Kemm (South Africa) Asif Zakir (Pakistan) Johnny Riekert (South Africa) Fawad Alam (Pakistan) James Price (South Africa) Aubrey Swanepoel (South

Calvin Savage (South Africa) Edward Read

Accrington v East Lancashire Church v Ramsbottom Crompton v Great Harwood Darwen v Enfield Haslingden v Clitheroe Littleborough v Burnley Lowerhouse v Rochdale Middleton v Bacup Nelson v Walsden Rawtenstall v Norden Rishton v Milnrow Todmorden v Colne