BRAD McNamara expressed delight today on hearing of Haslingden's completion of the Lancashire League double - the first in the club's history.

Bentgate's injured professional had to return home to New South Wales in June after finally admitting defeat in his battle to play through the pain barrier.

That effort may have serious repercussions for McNamara. His shoulder - which was broken - is still in a sling and may require the insertion of a screw depending on the results of an X-ray this Thursday. It could yet be career-threatening.

Despite his own misfortune, his thoughts were with his former team-mates.

"I'm just sorry I wasn't there," he said. "The success is well-deserved and the lads have definitely proved they're the best side in the League.

"To go through virtually a whole season without a professional and accomplish what they did is a tremendous effort. The news has really cheered me up."

If all goes well, McNamara hopes to meet the October 5 deadline when the Australian season kicks off.

Haslingden captain Mark Griffin hailed the club's first ever Lancashire League double as "an amazing feat - especially the way we did it".

"It's testament to all the players that they stuck together under such adverse circumstances and proved themselves the best side in the League," said a delighted Griffin.

"We've had words, we've crossed swords, we're a very honest dressing room.

"But when we stepped on to the cricket field all season we united in pursuit of our goals and it's paid dividend."

Former chairman Ernie Taylor, who presided over Haslingden's glory days in the late1980s and early 1990s, described the present side as right up there with Haslindgden's best ever.

Previous sport story

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.