RYAN Canning admits he was a little bit surprised when Nelson offered him terms for next season – but says he didn’t have to think twice about putting pen-to-paper on a return to Seedhill.

The South African star has made a big impression on the Foster’s Lancashire League in his first season playing in the North of England.

Canning has racked up almost 500 runs after a slow start to the campaign and is already looking forward to next season as well as finishing this one on a high.

“It’s great to have the deal sorted out so soon,” said the 29-year-old Boland wicketkeeper/batsman.

“I must admit the timing came as a little bit of a surprise as normally at this time of the year clubs are asking the pro when their flight home is!

“But when the committee offered me the deal I didn’t have to think about signing it.

“Nelson is a tremendous club and hopefully we can now go and finish this season strongly and build towards next year.”

Neil Thompson’s team has been going through a transformation and Canning says the signs are good that they can become a force if their improvement continues.

“We reached the semi-finals of the Twenty20 and the Worsley Cup and lost to two good sides.

“But in the Worsley Cup at Haslingden I thought we could have performed better on the day and with no disrespect to Haslingden, we could have beaten them.

“But we are mainly a young side and players are learing and hopefully we can take things on board.”

Canning is looking good and helped Nelson to back-to-back wins over East Lancashire and Rawtenstall last weekend as they moved into eighth place in the league.

The runs have also started to flow and he said: “This weather does help.

“I think you’ll find a lot of the professionals in the league are starting to score a few now the sun is out.

“Also the wickets in East Lancashire take a little bit of getting used to early in the season.

“That is often the case for the guys who have never played up here before.

“But after a few weeks of good weather it is almost like being back home.”

Canning aims to celebrate his new deal with a big display in tomorrow’s Seedhill showdown with in-form Church, who are level on 94 points with Nelson after their good run.

Burnley are the league’s form team and they face another side on the charge Enfield in the game of the day at Turf Moor.

Chairman Michael Brown and his brother David both turn out for the home side for the clash with third-placed Enfield.

Leaders Accrington are at Bacup and reigning champions Lowerhouse welcome Haslingden to the Neville Gee (Recruitment) Ground on what is their annual Ladies Day.

East Lancashire entertain Ramsbottom, Rishton host Todmorden and Colne look for their first win of the season when they lock horns with Rawtenstall at The Horsfield.