BACUP will look for a long-term replacement professional rather than going for a short-term fix after Jon-Jon Smuts returned to South Africa to prepare for am emerging players tournament.

The news has come as a big blow to the Lanehead outfit – but they intend to replace Smuts with the best man they can.

And for tomorrow’s Lancashire League clash with Church, they have borrowed former Colne paid man Anwar Ali from Northern League outfit Morecambe.

“Losing Jon-Jon is a big blow,” said Bacup captain David Warren.

“We wish him all the best because it is great for his career as a whole back home.

“He certainly leaves a hole at the club. he was fitting in really well with all of the lads and his performances for us were tremendous.”

Smuts starred on his final game last weekend as he hit a breathtaking 170 and then claimed five wickets in the win at Colne and Warren added: “As last games go that was special.

“We really think he was on for 1,200 runs and a lot of wickets and it is a big loss for the club.”

Smuts, whose brother Kelly was scheduled to be at Colne until he was injured on the eve of the season, flew home with week after plundering 499 runs in the league at an average of 71.3.

His final game at The Horsfield saw Smuts and former skipper Tim Farrager write their name in Bacup’s record books as they shared a club record third-wicket stand of 243, a mark just five shy of the club’s highest.

That also came at Colne back in 1954 and was shared by the great Everton Weekes and Stanley Entwistle.

“We will now look for a professional for the rest of the season,” added Warren. “It is hard work to try and find sub-pros week in, week out and that also unsettles your team because you do not know who is coming in.

“We have turned to Anwar tomorrow and we know what to expect from him, he could be really lively, especially on our track.

“And hopefully he can give us the edge in a really tough game against Church, who are a good side with a quality pro.”

Warren is hopeful of another good display against Craig Fergusson’s men and they are currently in sixth spot in the league, just 13 points from the top.

“The league is tight this year,” he said. “Every team is capable of beating every other team.

“We beat Lowerhouse on the opening day and they went and won the next six and Ramsbottom have lost three already.

“But they are still a quality side, still the side to beat – but with the league being so tight it makes the whole competition better.”