CROMPTON Cricket Club’s joy at the late arrival of new professional Shubam Sharma was short-lived.
Three days after arriving from India and having played only one match, Sharma was heading home for personal reasons after his mother was taken seriously ill.
“Shubam arrived on Saturday, played against Todmorden on Saturday (May 11) and left on Monday,” explained club secretary Stephen Wright.
“It is unfortunate, but family come first. It is early days and we don’t know if Shubam will be returning. We will take it one game at a time until we get some firm news.”
Sharma had become the fifth different professional in as many games at the start of their JW Lees Lancashire League, division one campaign.
Despite the lack of continuity due to weekly changes of pro, Crompton have made a hugely encouraging start after last season finishing ninth in the 24 strong league to make the top 12 when the league split into two divisions.
Crompton won their first three league games against Church, Burnley and reigning champions Walsden before their unbeaten run in the league was ended by Todmorden.
They are second and four points behind leaders Burnley whose only loss was against Crompton.
Crompton were unlucky to lose to Church in the first round of the Worsley Cup after the scores were level. They were bowled out for 215 in reply to Church’s 215-7.
“We are over the moon by the start to the season and were desperately unlucky to lose in the Worsley Cup,” added Wright.
Batsman Denis Louis has been in blistering form with the bat hitting 140 in the league win against Church, 83 not out in the cup defeat and 65 against Walsden.
Mohammed Jamal has hit a couple of half centuries while Adam Good has been among the wickets.
Crompton’s second team enjoyed an emphatic 10 wicket win against Church in the first round of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph Cup.
They dismissed Church for 79. Andrew Punchard taking five wickets for 33 while Mark Woodward and Glen Rigby knocked off the runs without loss.
Crompton are at home to Rochdale on Saturday, May 18 in the second round of the LET Cup.
The first team are in derby action at struggling Rochdale on Saturday (May 18) while they are at home to Clitheroe on Sunday, May 26.