White wins fitness battle

Only hours before they lined up to face the Lancashire County League at Denton West, they were facing a crisis that theatened to rob them of three of their strike bowlers.

Greenmount's Mark Stewart had already declared himself a non-starter after he failed to recover from the groin strain that kept him out of the first round game with the Saddleworth League and last week's friendly with the Manchester Association.

His replacement, Egerton's Colin Crouch then pulled out because his wife is expecting a baby any day, while all-rounder David White was doubtful after aggravating a foot injury in Kearsley's match against Tonge last week.

Fortunately White was declared fit yesterday saving the selectors a tricky job of finding not only a top class bowler but a powerful batsman as well. And Walkden's John Smith has been drafted in for Crouch, joining his brother David in the bowling attack.

The League have been dogged by injuries throughout the season.

That cost them the services of skipper and wicketkeeper Tim Wallwork in the first round and he is still not fit enough to be included. Paul Berry again dons the gloves - a job he does so well for Kearsley.

His team-mate Craig Lavelle again steps in to lead the side, a job he did with efficiency and assurance against the Manchester Association last week, and opener Steve Davies makes up the Kearsley contingent while Tonge supply strike bowler Ian Taylor and batsman Simon Anderton. The Bolton League will start the match as favourites to retain the trophy they won last year but the Lancashire County League will be hoping to make their home advantage pay on their own ground.

They have named a side packed with experience and one the Bolton League have faced before. Bolton know they face a tricky tie but they have the confidence and enough talent to book yet another final place.

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