RISHTON have been dealt a pro blow after their hugely talented Australian spinner Aaron Heal was forced to return Down Under because of a knee injury.
The spinner was injured while batting in the local derby with Church nine days ago and was ruled out of the return match a day later.
Rishton hoped the Aussie would be fit for Friday’s 20/20 showdown with East Lancs – but Heal was struggling in the week with the knee injury worse than initially feared.
He underwent intensive local treatment but after consultations with the Western Australian Cricket Board, Heal was ordered back to Perth on Friday by his team bosses, who want him fully fit for the Australian domestic season.
The 26-year-old, who missed the first game of the season to act as best man at a wedding, won many admirers at Rishton, and also at Ribblesdale Wanderers where he had acted as sub-pro on several occasions this season.
Rishton, who employed Darwen paceman David Wiesse for yesterday’s game with Ramsbottom, will now have to find replacements until the end of the season with Heal unable to return.
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