A LOCAL Cricket club is in mourning after the sudden death of one of their star players.

Westleigh Cricket Club's overseas amateur, Aussie all-rounder David Robertson died in his sleep at his home in New South Wales just three weeks after leaving Leigh.

David, 31, had returned to Australia to play Grade A cricket for Port Stephens Pythons before returning to Leigh to resume his career with Westleigh in the Manchester Association.

Club chairman Paul Entwistle said: "Everyone at the club is devastated by the news. We were so looking forward to having David back with us next season.

"He was a really nice lad who fitted in well at the club. This was his first time out of Australia but I know he was looking forward to coming back.

"He made a big impression in a short period of time with us and made a significant contribution towards the first team winning the Division One championship."

In his 12 games with the club he scored over 400 runs, took 15 wickets and excelled in the field.