BEER-swilling, foul-mouthed and arrogant.

But Ben Johnson is one Aussie who does not satisfy the typecasting.

And that will be music to the ears of those Horsfield faithful with a more sensitive disposition.

Last year's tantrums of Scott Williams have been displaced by the altogether softer tones of this South Australian.

The geese of Colne can rest assured they will not be startled by any sudden "boos" from the Johnson lips.

"From what I have been told, I'm totally different to Scott.

"If I am outwardly aggressive, it's for a reason.

"But I don't lose the plot.

"I am very competitive and I am very aggressive - but I am relaxed as well."

The life of a Lancashire League professional can at times be relaxing in the extreme. With the weather hindering exploration further afield than the Yorkshire Dales, Ben and media studies graduate girlfriend Sarah Darling, have slipped into a routine - shopping on Monday, laundry on Thursday.

Ben copes with the periods of inactivity better than Sarah.

The 22-year-old, however, has the added burden of responsibility and expectation to shoulder.

Improved performances off the field have convinced the Colne hierarchy to speculate in order to accumulate improved performances on the field.

Johnson, as a promising member of a highly talented and Sheffield Shield-winning South Australian squad, does not come cheaply.

He has 12 first class games under his belt and that pedigree has already been shown in an impressive start to the season with hauls of five for 33 and four for 58 backed by knocks of 55 and 88.

The extra responsibility will affect me positively. You are much more accountable for what you do. "I know they have invested a lot in me, so I suppose that is added pressure.

"But I know I can do the job properly if I work hard at it," he said.

Hard work has, perhaps, so far been limited to sporting spheres.

Ben spent something of a nomadic childhood in the South Australian countryside, changing base regularly with his dad's teaching posts.

Outdoor activities, including regular snow-skiing trips a 10-hour drive from Adelaide, took priority over educational targets.

Even when studying for a physical education qualification, the intention was never to turn to teaching.

But the course helped Ben develop self-confidence.

And that is a handy quality when every stranger's first quip is Ben Johnson drugs scandal-related.

The Colne boys have tried, and failed, to come up with anything original. "I've heard it all before and it does not impress me at all.

"I just ignore it and it goes away. It's all crap."

He has, however, gelled with his new team-mates and an imminent week-long tour to Devon should strengthen those bonds.

And Ben has the added comfort of three fellow South Australians to fall back on for companionship with Joe Scuderi at Nelson, Dan Marsh at Todmorden and Peter Sleep at Lancashire.

The fact that Scuderi only managed to break into the South Australia one-day side indicates the strength of domestic cricket Down Under.

With the debate surrounding the proposed county Super League raging, it is a skills gap that intrigues Ben.

"There seems to be so many different leagues to chose from for the county side.

"There are a lot of good players playing in the Lancashire League but not playing consistently against the best of the Lancashire League."

The best of the Lancashire League can, though, expect the consistent best of Ben Johnson.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.