BOLTON Association side Walshaw have been bowled a googly before the local cricket season has even started.

Their Australian professional Sam Roberts has been refused a work permit and will not be allowed to play over here.

Chairman Bill Singleton managed to break the news before Roberts had left Australia but that was of little consolation to the club or the player.

Mr Singleton said: "Evidently Sam had given up his job, was selling his house and was ready to fly over but unfortunately I had to tell him that there was no way we could take him.

"We have been speaking to the relevant department for some time but we were only informed a few days ago that the work permit would not be granted. The reason being given is that although Sam has played representative cricket at under 17 and under 19 level, he has not played the sufficient number of first class Sheffield Shield games to meet the qualifications for a work permit."

The club, however, have moved fast by re-signing last season's pro Simon Bamford.

And he will be helped by West Indian Phillipson 'Ben' Johnson, who was at Farnworth last year but who has now moved to Walshaw as player-coach.

Added Mr Singleton: "Obviously we are disappointed we cannot take Sam but I'm sure that our new pro and the coach will do well for us."

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