East Lancs blow as pro Stewart returns to New Zealand

10:44am Sunday 15th June 2008

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EAST Lancs captain Mark Bolton has been left reeling by the news that professional Shanan Stewart is returning to New Zealand.

Stewart has been dogged by a persistent hernia problem for most of the season, which has hampered his bowling, and the Kiwi has now been advised to undergo surgery, which means tomorrow's game at home to Haslingden will be his last for the club.

"It's a blow for us to lose Shanan because, on his day, I believe he's the best batsman in the league," said Bolton.

"He's been averaging over 70 for us this year, and his century against Rishton last week was probably the best knock I've ever seen at this level.

"However, the injury has meant he's been struggling with his bowling for a while now. He went to see the England doctor during the Test match last week, and then got a second opinion from another specialist in Clitheroe, and the advice they gave him was he needs an operation."

HASLINGDEN captain Graham Knowles admits the loss of Zubair Imtiaz has left a big gap in the bowling line-up as they prepare for the first of a double-header against East Lancs.

The youngster, who will be replaced by his brother Mohsin for the next two weeks, is taking time off to study for his final exams to be a pharmacist.

Knowles said: "Zubair is going to be missing for the next couple of weeks so we're going to be a little bit short in the bowling. He's been working really hard in the nets and he's come on a lot this season."

RAMSBOTTOM will be without new professional Shane Harwood for their matches against Todmorden this weekend.

The 34-year-old Victorian all-rounder is due to arrive from Australia next week so Indian Dinesh Mongia is set to deputise today with Barnoldswick's Clinton Peake stepping in tomorrow.

The move comes after New Zealander Lou Vincent was snapped up by Lancashire.

Rammy captain Simon Read said: "We've been doing well and obviously Lou has been a big part of that. It's unfortunate because we've been trying to get some continuity throughout the team, but hopefully Shane will carry on where he left off."