Pro is banned in permit row

The West Indian was issued with a work permit three weeks ago but Westhoughton and the League have been told that this covers only his coaching duties - not playing.

Estwick was immediately withdrawn from Saturday's league match against Farnworth Social Circle, ironically the club he was professional with last season and where he had no problems obtaining a permit.

Westhoughton struggled to get a permit for Estwick before the season started because the player has not played first class cricket in the last couple of years.

He was unable to play in the opening game against Egerton but a permit was issued after the club had asked for the player's coaching qualifications to be considered as a special case.

A work permit was then granted and was accepted by the Bolton League, who were also under the impression that Estwick could play.

The League cricket Conference, however, contacted the League late on Friday night to point out the restrictions over the permit and Westhoughton were forced to play their two weekend games without a professional.

That in itself is against league rules, which state that all clubs should field a professional, a deputy only being allowed if the pro is either injured or sick.

The matter will be fully discussed tonight by the Bolton League committee and Westhoughton have refused to comment before that meeting.

A club member, however, did say that Estwick was 'devasted' by the decision.

"He is completely bewildered at what's going on. He has been playing cricket in this country as a professional for something like 16 years and has never known anything like this before."

In the past, situations like this have usually ended with the League deducting points from the offending team but that is complicated in this case by the fact that the League accepted the work permit.

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