GREENMOUNT Cricket Club have turned the clock back three years with the reappointment of Australian Richard Chee Quee as professional for the 1997 season.

The Bolton League club had lined up promising New Zealand batsman Craig McMillan for the new campaign but a series of impressive performances towards the end of the season earned him a place in his country's 14-man squad for a four-way international tournament in India at the end of May.

The Bolton League's stringent rules on the availability of professionals meant that the deal fell through.

"I've spoken to Craig and he's very disappointed not to be coming, but we're delighted to bring back Richard to the club," said Greenmount cricket chairman Chris Wright.

"When he was here last he broke the club record for the highest individual score (178 not out) and the club catching record (25) so we know we're getting a quality performer," he added.

The village side's opening league game of the season is on April 26 when Astley Bridge are the visitors to Brandlesholme Road.

One Kiwi who certainly will be spending the summer in town is Bury Cricket Club's new paid man Owen Steverson.

The 23-year-old opening batsman is highly regarded in his home town of Hamilton where he plays for the Thames Valley club.

He spent last summer with Farsley Celtic in the Leeds League where he ran up 900 runs in his first summer over here.

Steverson has represented Northern Districts at Under-22 level and is a qualified coach and will be working extensively with the club's four junior teams.

Bury start their Manchester Association season with an home fixture against Newton Heath on Saturday, April 19, WP 1.30pm.

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