BLACKPOOL Cricket Club's professional Marcus Sharp is returning for a fourth term next season, making him the longest serving professional at the club since Bill Alley in the 1950's, writes Gerry Wolstenholme.

At Fleetwood Robert Kennedy, a New Zealand fast bowler who has appeared in four Tests has been signed.

And at St Annes popular professional Dave Callaghan returns for a third term having successfully sorted out his business arrangements at home in South Africa.

Three St Annes youngsters are playing in South Africa this winter. Joe Davies, Dave Taylor and Adam Cotton are all enhancing their cricketing education with league clubs.

Joe is with Callaghan's Old Gray's side while the other two are playing at Port Elizabeth Cricket Club. When the two sides met in a League encounter it was Davies, who is opening the batting, coming out the happier of the three as his side won the match.