MIKE Watkinson, Bolton's most famous cricketing son, has been banned from playing in his local league writes Peter Mensforth

Walkden wanted to play the former Test player and ex-Lancashire captain as an amateur in occasional games but their request was thrown out by the Bolton Cricket League committee.

Today Walkden were waiting for an explanation from Mike Hall, chairman of the Bolton League before deciding whether to take the matter further.

Watkinson was the club's professional last season when they won the league championship but his appointment as Lancashire cricket manager earlier this year meant he was unable to play locally - except for occasional matches.

Frank Hinks, president of Walkden CC said envy from some clubs was the motive behind the decision, claiming: "The Bolton League is insulting one of the finest ambassadors we could have through some people's personal selfishness."

Ironically, the matter only came before the league committee on the insistence of Walkden, who had heard that had they played him, they could have faced a protest by other clubs. Those sides felt that Walkden were in fact playing two professionals because Watkinson is still a contracted county cricketer - even though he is registered by the league as an amateur.

"Mike has only been available for two matches this season," said Mr Hinks. "One was the game against Tonge and the other was at Farnworth last Saturday.

"We didn't play him in either as we heard that some of the Bolton League clubs were waiting for us to play what they claim is an illegal player as Mike is still registered as a Lancashire county player. That could have resulted in us losing points." Their request for clarification was put to a vote and according to league secretary Ray Taylor the decision went through by "a large majority."

Mike Hall, chairman of the Bolton League said: "Walkden requested the committee to consider if Mike Watkinson was eligible to play as an amateur when available. The view was that he was ineligible because he is still a registered player with the county cricket club."

Sources suggest that the matter may still go back to the League's executive committee. They cannot overturn the cricket committee's decision but do have the powers to ask them to reconsider their decision.

Watkinson played his early cricket with another league club Westhoughton and has always been a great supporter of the local game. His only comment was: "I am disappointed, especially for Walkden, that the committee think this way."