CLAUDE Henderson has re-signed for a second season as East Lancs professional - giving the EW Cartons Lancashire League club a boost as they prepare for Sunday's championship finale.

But the timing is purely co-incidental as East Lancs have been talking to the popular South African spinner about a return for some time.

Larry Pearson, cricket chairman at Alexandra Meadows, said: "Claude has been a superb professional, giving absolutely 100 per cent at everything he does.

"No-one at the club has a bad word to say about him. He knows what is required of him as the professional and sets the standards."

Henderson has already topped 100 wickets, an excellent achievement in his first season, and Mr Pearson added: "I am very pleased with the way things have gone.

"Claude is already looking forward to next year, talking about his goals and relishing the challenge."

East Lancs look like finishing runners-up in both league and cup this summer, unless Nelson slip up badly in their final match on Sunday.

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