CHRIS Harris is set to miss the start of the Marsden BS Lancashire Cricket League season next month, leaving Ramsbottom to find substitute professionals for their opening four or five fixtures.

And Bacup are also sweating on Roger Harper's availability as he could well be involved in the West Indies-New Zealand series which begins next Tuesday.

The Kiwis, including all-rounder Harris, have arrived in the Caribbean for a six-week tour which includes two Tests and five one-day internationals.

West Indies have not yet announced their squad for the opening game.

Harris had an outstanding first season at Acre Bottom in 1995, helping Ramsbottom to runners-up spot behind Rishton.

He became only the fourth player to complete the elusive double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets.

And they are due to face the champions in the opening game, as well as the first round of the Jennings Worsley Cup, which Harris is also expected to miss.

Ramsbottom vice-chairman Peter Spencer said the club had already started making preliminary inquiries about a temporary replacement.

"Ideally, what we would like to do is to sign one player to cover all the games that Chris is likely to miss," he said.

"But that is not always possible."

One name that could attract Ramsbottom is Peter Sleep, injured partway through Rishton's championship march.

Sleep won't be taking a full-time professional job this summer because of his duties at Old Trafford. But he might be available as a sub-professional.

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