TRANSCO Lancashire League club Colne have been rocked by the news that professional Shane Harwood has been refused permission to join the club.

Harwood is one of the rising stars of Australian Cricket and after an impressive domestic season the Australian Cricket Board has put him on standby for their tour of the West Indies, which starts soon after the World Cup.

But Colne have moved quickly to replace fast bowler Harwood, signing up 30-year-old South Australia all-rounder Ben Higgins as a replacement.

Colne captain Gary Hunt said: "I have just been out to Australia for a family holiday and met with Shane. He is distraught that he can't join us. He was really looking forward to it.

"But he has become a hot property over there after having a very good season, everyone is talking about him - unfortunately for us.

"But these things happen. They have happened to other clubs but it is just unlucky for us after our pro last year, Charl Langeveldt, had to go home early."

Victoria chief David Hookes, who has played for Ramsbottom in the Lancashire League, also met with Hunt to discuss Harwood.

"I had a meeting at the MCG with David Hookes, who knows all about the league after his time with Ramsbottom, and he expressed his sympathy.

"But Victoria employ him on a 12-month contract and unfortunately that takes priority."

Hunt said he tied up the Higgins deal before returning home.

"Luckily I was out there anyway so I signed up Ben Higgins straight away."

Higgins is a left-hand bat, left-arm medium pace bowler, who has previously played league cricket in Yorkshire, where he broke the league batting record. Higgins made 50 on his South Australia debut in 2001/2002 season.

Shane Harwood whose nickname is Harold or Stickers took a hat-trick on his First Class Australian debut.

He became the first Victorian and 14th player in the world to achieve this feat. This season Harwood has taken 17 wickets for 281 runs at an average of 16.52.