BRENDAN Nash could end up playing his cricket on one of three continents.

But Todmorden are glad that, for now, the Queenslander is plying his trade at Centre Vale.

Nash qualifies for the Lancashire League through an Irish grandfather.

And although he was born in Australia, he also has a West Indian heritage through his parents Paul and Andrea, who hail from Jamaica.

It's a fascinating background for a player whose family sporting history is in swimming and not cricket, his father having competed in the pool at the Mexico Olympics in 1968.

Yet with a mix of West Indian and Australian blood, perhaps it's no suprise that Nash, who hits the ball hard thanks to the strong set of shoulders he inherited from his dad, should develop as a highly promising cricketer. Although yet to play Sheffield Shield cricket with Queensland, Nash has represented his state at under-19 and 21 level.

And, if he doesn't achieve his ambition in Australia, then a playing return to Jamaica could be an alternative route to the first-class game. "Obviously I want to play first-class cricket and if the opportunity doesn't come with Queensland it may be an option, although it's not something that's always in mind," he said.

Nash's mother was actually pregnant with him when the family left the Caribbean to settle first in Perth and then ultimately in Brisbane, where she was to be a big influence on his career.

"I played about eight or nine sports when I was a young fella and I started cricket at about seven.

"My mum enrolled me and it went from there and she encouraged me to play more and more," said the 21-year-old left-hander, who has played all his club and grade cricket with the Northern Surburbs club which produced Ian Healy.

And her infleunce didn't stop there.

"My mum had a word with me. She's a keen cricket fan and suggested that I should go over here. I couldn't get fixed up at first but I made it last year," he added. Nash's first experience as a club professional was a roaring success as he helped Lampney win the Pembrokeshire League in Wales for the first time with 1,200 runs to his credit.

His achievements didn't go unnoticed with Todmorden who were looking for a replacement for Vasbert Drakes.

He was invited up at the back end of last summer and had no hesitation agreeing a contract.

"It's been really great apart from the weather. I am happy with with the start and hopefully the team can get together and help me out and we can get some wins," added Nash.

Tomorrow Todmorden take on Ramsbottom in the Worsley Cup and then on Sunday meet defending league champions Nelson in a big weekend.

"After we won the last game (against Rishton when Nash scored 69) we played we are quietly confident," said Nash, who has his eyes on a cup run and a top-five league finish.

There was no play in the unfinished game between Rawtenstall and Haslingden last night.

Players will try again for a resumption tomorrow at 1.15pm.

Tomorrow's Worsley Cup ties: Bacup v Enfield, Ramsbottom v Todmorden, Rawtenstall v Haslingden.

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