THE Bolton League have suffered a major blow - days before they begin the defence of the Lancashire inter-league Trophy.

Injury has forced captain and wicketkeeper Tim Wallwork to withdraw from the side to face the Saddleworth League at Farnworth in Sunday's first round.

League team manager Jeff Todd explained: "Tim injured his shoulder while playing for Heaton against Tonge. He has had regular treatment but although he may be fit enough to play for Heaton in a league match on Saturday, he feels that the inter-league game on Sunday is far too important to risk his fitness.

"Sadly I have to agree that he has made the right decision but there is no doubt that we will miss the influence he can give to a game such as this."

The League are now looking for a replacement captain and wicketkeeper although the chosen team does have ready-made candidates.

Craig Lavelle could take over the captaincy while his Kearsley club-mate Paul Berry is an experienced keeper and would prove a more than capable deputy behind the wicket.

Taking that course of action would also give the selectors a much wider choice rather than having to go for a specialised wicketkeeper.

That could leave the way open for the selection of an all-rounder as the side already bats well down the order and a recognised batsman could be faced with coming in at number six or seven. The same applies to the bowlers although the selectors may be tempted to go for another spinner to bowl in tandem with left arm Michael Crookson, which would offer the side a right and left-hand spin combination.

A decision will be made over the next 24 hours after the selectors have weighed up all possibilities.

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