WALSHAW'S exciting all-rounder Brett Collins is joining the professional ranks next season.

Collins has decided 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 title 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."

That title win 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 thbe 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.

TODAY

Anthony Axford Bolton Association: Blackrod v Spring View, Daisy Hill v Clifton. Darcy Lever v Atherton, Golborne v Edgworth, Lostock v Little Hulton, Standish v A & T, Walshaw v Adlington.

Warburton's Bolton League:Eagley v Bradshaw, Farnworth SC v Astley Bridge, Greenmount v Kearsley, Heaton v Farnworth, Little Lever v Walkden, Tonge v Egerton, Westhoughton v Horwich.

TOMORROW

Anothny Axford Bolton Association Cross Cup final: Elton v Walshaw (at Clifton 12.30).

Warburton's Bolton League Jake Tatlock final: Heaton v ????????? at Heaton. SATURDAY

Anthony Axford Bolton Association: A & T v Golborne, Atherton v Standish, Clifton v Lostock, Edgworth v walshaw, Elton v Blackrod, Little Hulton v Darcy Lever, Spring View v Daisy Hill.

Warburton's Bolton League: Astley Bridge v Greenmount, Bradshaw v Little Lever, Egerton v Westhoughton, Farnworth v Farnworth SC, Horwich v Eagley, Kearsley v Tonge, Walkden v Heaton.