I WOULD like to add to your reporter's praise of the injured Roger Harper (LET, May 3) who proved too strong for Rishton as he led Nelson to victory in their Lancashire League clash at Blackburn Road recently.

Rarely have I witnessed such a splendid innings from a player who suffered what must have been a very painful injury in only the first few balls of his classy unbeaten knock of 64.

There was obviously no doubt in the minds of the umpires that the injury was sustained at such an early stage of this game, as he requested and was granted a runner after only one over.

It was slightly curious, therefore, that having been unable to hobble 22 yards because of the obvious pain to his hamstring, Roger appeared with the Nelson team and took the field in the second innings.

What was even more remarkable was the fact that when he was offered the ball, he proceeded to bowl 20 overs in what was, presumably, agony and patrolled the vast mid-wicket area during the remainder of the innings.

Thankfully for the Nelson team and supporters, the rumour that Roger picked up the injury representing the Lancashire League against Kenya three days earlier must be totally unfounded.

If this was the case, the runner could not possibly have been allowed and the result may well have been completely different.

TONY YATES, Clifton Terrace, Hoddlesden, near Darwen.

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