RADCLIFFE Cricket Club chairman Chris Franklin reckons he has signed one of the best pro's in the area', after unveiling Usman Tariq as the replacement for the outgoing Pasan Wanasinghe.

The Racecourse side moved to sign the free-scoring Pakistani after being impressed with his performances for Greenmount in the Bolton League throughout the summer.

Tariq has scored nearly 1400 runs at an average of 86 for the Villagers this season, and his leg-spin has claimed 35 wickets at a respectable 17 apiece. Performances like this have helped Greenmount to the top of the league, and they were beaten finalists in the Hamer Cup last weekend.

"We are delighted to sign Usman. I firmly believe he is the best pro in this area," said Franklin.

"He is a young player, who is eager to do well and everyone at the club is excited by his signing.

"It is certainly a step forward for the club, and I know the skipper (Stephen Holt) and the players are over the moon that we have got him. I don't think they expected us to be able to attract such a top player, but we have proved them wrong.

"Usman has signed for one year, with the option of two, and he might also bring some top amateurs to the club with him."

The 22-year-old Tariq hails from the Bahawalpur area of Punjab in Pakistan and has extensive first-class experience in his homeland. Tariq has 90 first-class matches under his belt, and he has scored over 5,000 runs in that time.

Meanwhile, rain prevented play in either of Radcliffe's weekend fixtures. The second team managed to get a game in against Werneth.

Werneth batted first and racked up 165-9, Mark Sajewicz taking 6-53. Radcliffe then knocked off the runs for the loss of just three wickets - Peter Hall stroking an unbeaten 70, and Sean Gibson making 42. This weekend, the first team host Ashton tomorrow, before travelling to play Littleborough on Sunday..

Radcliffe are close to achieving their club mark.

They are re-writing their constitution, and the new constitution will be available from the bar.