PROMISING pace bowler Andrew Ainsworth has quit Ribblesdale Wanderers to become the new professional at Lancashire County League club Thornham.

Atkinson came up through the ranks at Church Meadow and played regularly for Nottinghamshire Second XI last summer.

New Wanderers skipper Dave Howard admits the move came out of the blue and he is disappointed to lose a player he had high hopes for next season.

"It's quite a blow because Andy bowled very well for us last year.

"We were hoping for bigger things from him this summer.

"But we've got plenty of other good players so it's not the end of the world," said Howard.

Terry Braithwaite is also thinking over his future at the club after losing the Wanderers' captaincy to Howard.

The veteran spinner has received a number of offers, including an invitation to join Transco Lancashire League club Rishton. Elsewhere, Blackburn Northern have elected Neil Weaver as their new first team skipper for the forthcoming Jennings Ribblesdale League season.

Weaver replaces Mel Gillibrand, who has now become vice-captain of the club, who have signed Pakistan internation Ata-ur-Rehman as professional.

Meanwhile, former Lancashire and England star Paul Allott will be the guest speaker at Northern's annual Sportsman's dinner.

The event takes place on March 3 in the main function room at the Pleckgate Road club.

Tickets are £21 and corporate sponsorship packages are also available.

For further information contact Brian Cox at the club.

Senior net practice has started at QEGS on Friday nights at 7pm, juniors 6pm.

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