GREAT Harwood have confirmed the appointment of Lancashire batsman Mark Harvey as their new professional after cancelling the contract of Indian Ashu Dani.

Dani failed to arrive in the country yesterday so the Cliffe Park club moved quickly to appoint Harvey, who helped guide Padiham to the Ribblesdale League title last season.

Harvey had originally indicated that county commitments would restrict his availability this season which prevented a return to the Arbories.

But that is not now the case and after making a half-century as substitute professional last Saturday, he will be Harwood's permanent paid-man for their double-header this weekend against Earby and then Padiham.

"He has now discovered that he is available for the whole season and we are absolutely delighted he is joining us. We are very pleased that we have managed to secure not just a class batsman but a proven winner," said Harwood chairman Richard Cheesbrough.

Harwood had hoped up to yesterday that India 'A' batsman Dani would make it but Cheesbrough said that difficulties at the India end meant he had been unable to travel.

"We are really disappointed not to get Ashu because he is a really exciting prospect.

"But it would have been unfair on the club, the supporters and the rest of the league if we had kept on getting substitute professionals, so we are very pleased to get Mark," Cheesbrough added.