DAVID Bandy is living proof that good things come to those who wait.

The Australian star has been chased by Haslingden for the last four years. But eventually this summer, the boys from Bentgate got their man.

And the 29-year-old, who made his debut for Western Australia two years ago, is eager to repay the interest and faith shown in him.

He said: "Haslingden have been after me for a few seasons now. I wanted to come over about four years ago, but I just started an electrician's apprentice back home so that was put on hold because I couldn't just up and leave.

"But it got too hard when I wanted to be a first class cricketer, so the apprenticeship was put on hold. It's something that I can pick up again at a later date.

"Then I was going to come last year, but I had a double hernia.

"Finally, this year, it's worked and I'm here."

It is a reflection on how Bandy's cricketing career has gone, that it has taken this amount of time to make the long journey from Perth - he didn't reach Western Australia's first team until the age of 27.

But he believes he is a much better player as a result of his patience as he learned his trade at Scarborough Cricket Club.

He said: "Scarborough Cricket Club has had so many Western Australian champions playing in the A Grade side, players like Justin Langer.

"In 1997 or thereabouts there were seven representatives.

"I had to learn my straps there and come up through the ranks, but it was hard to succeed. There were guys my age playing at a higher level than me, but I just had to stick in and keep going.

"I think it made me a stronger cricketer in terms of earning my representative at A Grade."

Bandy has already made a big impact on the Lancashire League, the best of which an unbeaten 106 - which included 11 boundaries - to secure a four wicket win over East Lancs last weekend.

But while his batting has never been a problem - his most important contribution arrived with 88 against South Australia in 2006-07 as the Warriors fought for a draw and he finished the summer with 337 runs at 28.08, while also posting 64 against the touring South Africans - he is hoping to hone his bowling skills before returning to Australia.

"I would predominantly consider myself to be a batsman," he said. "And the reason I'm over here is because Western Australia are looking for an all-rounder who can step up and offer something with the ball. Hopefully I can bowl myself into contention, while also continuing to develop my batting."

And he was also looking to take some silverware back home with him.

He added: "There's quite a lot of interest in the Lancashire League back home.

"Tom Moody, the Western Australia coach, played over here and there have been so many other great players.

"I don't want to disappoint them when I go back after my spell here. I want to be able to say I've done well and have something to show for it."

After a good start to life in Haslingden, only time will tell.