MIKE Smethurst has been named as Edenfield's professional for the forthcoming cricket season.

Smethurst played last season with Middleton in the Central Lancashire League whilst completing his degree course at Salford University.

He also played with Lancashire's second 11 with whom he was the leading wicket taker for the 1998 season.

This move was a natural progession for Smethurst as he played junior cricket with the county at all levels from under 11s through to under 19s.

He has been rewarded for his success with the second 11 by signing a professional contract with the county for the season's 1999 and 2000.

Mike is an opening bowler of some pace and a useful lower order batsman. He has been attending club nets at Fearns Sports Hall and looks like living up to his billing.

Any players wishing to attend nets on Mondays, 9-10pm, are most welcome.

The club's annual general meeting will be held on Tuesday at the clubhouse, proceedings start at 7.30pm, all members welcome to attend.

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