BRAD McNamara's season is over, with the Haslingden professional having suffered a torn shoulder tendon in his bowling arm.

It has plunged the Lancashire League title chasers into something of a crisis, though they have managed to engage Leicestershire bowler Gordon Parsons as substitute for Saturday's Jennings Worsley Cup semi-final clash with East Lancs.

And Pakistan Test player Aamer Malik has been recruited for Sunday's league game against neighbours Rawtenstall.

"That will give us a little bit of breathing space," said Bentgate chairman Brian Murray.

Haslingden secretary Chris Aspin added: "Brad went to see a specialist and the tendon injury was diagnosed. He has gone to see the medical people travelling with the Australian tourists for a second opinion but he is now expected to return home in the next few days.

"Brad has battled to play even though he hasn't been fully fit for much of the season and we have done well to be where we are.

"If he hadn't had the injury problems we could well have been clear at the top by now. It's very disappointing but there's nothing we can do about it."

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