INJURY and heat fatigue dogged a Lancashire police Cricket team's two-week trip to Western Australia.

But members did meet former Aussie bowling demon Dennis Lillee, once the professional at Haslingden.

Ten teams from across the world took part in the third international police cricket festival in Perth.

Andy McNicholas who is stationed at Padiham, said: "We won only one out of six games. In fact, our last match against Worcester.

"We played four games in four days on huge grounds in 40 degrees heat. We were shattered."

Winners were the national South Africa side who beat Barbados in the final.

"Both teams were very strong," said Andy. The Padiham captain added: "We were without some of our best players for a variety of reasons. No-one took more than three wickets in an innings and the only player to reach a half century was Mick Ingham in the last match."

Lowerhouse second team player Ian Sheridan, who lives in the Burnley area and is stationed at Hutton, ended up in hospital to have 13 stitches in a wound to the chin.

The injury happened as Ian was bowling. He bent to pick up a straight drive when the ball bobbled into his face.

Andy said: "Ian said that after the tour he was hanging up his boots and has given his kit away!"

The Lancashire officers were granted seven days special leave making up the rest of the trip through annual leave. They paid for all the costs.

Blazers were sponsored by Simon Jersey, trousers by Slaters of Preston and caps by Lancashire Cricket Club.

On the trip were Gary Betherick of Shouth Shore, Blackpool, Andy, Oli Jemson, Preston, Ian Sheridan, Preston, Phil Carter, Burnley, Mick Morris, Preston, Mark Rothwell, Accrington, Sarfraz Ali, Preston, Tony Woodworth, Accrington, Brian Hopwood, ex Accrington, now retired, and three guests from Haslingden Cricket Club, Mike Ingham, Andy Sidley and Neil Grindrod.

They were joined by Accrington solicitor Bill Rawstron, who was on his honeymoon.

Andy added: "It was good experience for everyone. It was a cracking trip, it is a beautiful part of the world and the hospitality was tremendous."