LANCASHIRE League chairman Peter Westwell today put claims by Brad McNamara over medical expenses into perspective.

Australian all-rounder McNamara's season was brought to a premature end last week by a serious shoulder injury.

And his message to fellow-Aussies is not to join Lancashire League clubs unless contract rules are changed.

McNamara claimed he should not have been faced with so much expense after damaging his shoulder playing for Haslingden.

But Mr Westwell said: "All our professionals and the clubs are encouraged as a matter of course to take out medical insurance. Then there is no problem.

"In fact, in one recent case where a club and player had to claim because injury ended his season early, the club concerned still made a profit after paying for substitute professionals.

"It is part of the standard contract that professionals are advised to take out insurance. We can't make them do it but we certainly advise it."

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