GREAT HARWOOD officials face a frantic search for a new professional following Shantanu Sugwekar's shock decision to turn his back on the Ribblesdale League outfit.

The Indian One-Day international had agreed to come back as pro again this summer following a successful first season with the club last year.

But in a late U-turn, the 34-year-old all-rounder faxed the club on Friday to inform them that he will not be returning because of 'personal problems'.

Rumours have since swept through the league suggesting Sugwekar has opted to sign for a Scottish League club instead.

But Harwood president Stephen Pilling claims that's the first he has heard of it.

"We received a fax from him on Friday to say he has domestic problems and he has retired from cricket," said Pilling. "So, until I hear otherwise, I have no reason to disbelieve what he has said.

"But, it's not impossible to think that if someone has offered him an extra £2000 to play somewhere else he may have taken it because that's a lot of money in India."

The Cliffe Park club held an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss possible alternatives.

And they have already sounded out a number of agents regarding the availabilty of potential targets.

"There still appears to be plenty of players available, especially in India and Pakistan, but it's finding the right one. We may look for an Englsh player, though, because it seems a safer bet."

Edenfield have signed former Leicestershire second teamer Stephen Kirby as their professional for the coming season.

Kirby, a pace bowler and middle-order batsman, spent three years on the staff at Grace Road prior to his release and move to the Ribblesdale League club, where John Kershaw has taken over as captain.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.