STAR all-rounder Steve Dearden has become the second big name to quit Haslingden since the end of the Lancashire League season.

Just a fortnight after spinner Chris Read left Bentgate to become professional at Ribblesdale Leagie outfit Edenfield, Dearden, known throughout the league as Dasher, has announced he is to become the professional at Lancashire County League side Woodbank.

Dearden, who will be 43 by the time the 2011 season starts, has been a consistent performer over two decades in the Lancashire League, firstly with Ramsbottom, where he made his debut at Rishton in 1990, and latterly at Haslingden.

Dearden has also been professional at Elton and Stalybridge having started out at hometown club Walshaw.

He was feared as one of the fastest bowlers in league cricket and his hard hitting earned him games for Lancashire seconds – and this season Dearden rolled back the years with 609 Lancashire League runs and 75 wickets, a new amateur best for the Bentgate outfit,who finished second for the second season on the spin.

Dearden’s reason for leaving is to play in the same side as his 13-year-old son Harry, who has forced his way into Woodbank's first team.

“I always planned to leave Haslingden to go and play in the same team as my son,” said Dearden. “I didn’t expect it to come so soon but I can’t turn the chance down.

“I have had so many great times in the Lancashire League, not least this season, and it is just a shame that we couldn’t win the league this year."

Dearden also smashed his highest score last season as he made 150 as Haslingden set a new mark for the highest team score against Bacup, and he added: “I have so many memories of the league, right back from winning the title with Ramsbottom back in 1992.”