WITH the start of the new season just a fortnight away, Barnoldswick Cricket Club's search for a professional is finally over.

The club has signed 24-year-old South African Mark Temple on the recommendation of its former overseas amateur, the much liked Hilton Ackerman. It is the end of a long and, at times, frustrating search by the Barnoldswick squad, which has pursued various players without success.

Ackerman himself was keen to return to Barnoldswick, but was picked to captain the Western Province squad. Another possibility, an Australian, decided to stay on at university, while last year's professional couldn't get a work permit, having played in too few matches last year due to injury. Several other possibilities also came to no avail.

However, the club is happy to have signed Temple, nicknamed "Bob", a slow left arm bowler and middle order batsman. His home club is Boland CC and he recently turned out against the Lancashire squad on its South Africa tour, bowling very economically.

Barnoldswick Cricket Club's Frank Street clubrooms have just been redecorated and refurbished, with all the work done voluntarily by members. They are planning a party to celebrate next Saturday, April 15, and everyone is welcome. It starts at 8pm.

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