Vaux Northern League

LANCASTER and Netherfield are seeking compensation from the South African Cricket Board after they were told that Mark Boucher and Derek Crookes will miss the final three games of the season due to international duty.

Officials from both clubs have been in emergency talks with the League after South African Cricket Coach Bob Woolmer, requested the players report for training on 1 September prior to a test match.

The request by former Kent and England player Woolmer means that both clubs will require deputy professionals after this weekend's Bank Holiday fixtures.

Boucher has already missed games when he was called up to play in the Malaysian Super Eights only three weeks ago. League Chairman Ken Wilton received assurances from South African Cricket Chairman Doctor Ali Bacher at the time that the player would return for the the rest of the season.

Lancaster secretary John Reed said: "There is nothing either club can do to stop them going back home even if we wanted to.

"I don't think either club would want to stop the players furthering their international careers, but they are under contract and both clubs will be looking for reparations."

Netherfield have already had to replace one South African player when Neil Johnson went to Leicestershire.

Meanwhile Blackpool's Heath Davis has returned home to prepare for New Zealand's next test match. Blackpool will require a replacement deputy professional for the rest of the season. Last Saturday Chris Harris from Ramsbottom stood in.

Darwen have terminated the contract of their Australian professional Keith Greenbank for unacceptable behaviour. James Peterson from Bacup stepped in last weekend.

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