WALSHAW'S exciting cricket all-rounder Brett Collins is joining the professional ranks next season writes Peter Mensforth

Collins is to take over at Darcy Lever after the Bolton Association side decided not to retain current professional Yasir Bashir.

Walshaw, although reluctant to see such a talented member of their side leave the club, have wished him the best for the future but also given him a tough challenge before leaves.

Explained club chairman Keith Harris: "We understand why he is leaving, he has wanted to have a go as a professional for some time, but before he goes we want him to help us win the championship for a fourth successive year. "It's a tough challenge because Spring View are now pushing us to the wire but Brett is a player who can turn games and hopefully help steer us to another title win."

The title hopes could also depend on a situation far removed from the cricket pitch.

Pro Jonathan Fielding and his partner Kerry are expecting a baby at any time and the birth could mean the player's absence from the weekend action.

Walshaw, of course, are hoping for a birth well outside cricketing hours but if it doesn't, then they have taken steps to have a replacement in place for tomorrow's league game at home to Adlington and Sunday's Cross Cup final

against Bury neighbours Elton, which takes place at Clifton.