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Clitheroe Cricket Club's attempt to bring Australian Shawn Flegler to Chatburn Road has been defeated by red tape.

The Victoria State player was signed after the authorities stated he had made five appearances for the state side.

But appearances as 12th man do not count under ECB regulationse.

Flegler has also made a number of appearances for Victoria in one-day games, which also do not count as qualification for a work permit.

A Clitheroe spokesman commented: ``It seems strange, as our league plays limited overs cricket, that one day appearances for Victoria rule out Shawn from being our professional.

``While the ECB thinks the way forward for English Test cricket is to set up a premier league pyramid, it seems rather strange that they organise the National Club Knockout Cup for league sides with each team batting for 45 overs - the same as the Ribblesdale League.

``And they recognise the popularity of the limited overs game by running the ECB 38 County Competition for first class and Minor County sides on a knockout basis.'' Flegler's replacement will be Stephen Benjamin, a 20-year-old, who has been recommended by former Chatburn Road favourite Ian Wrigglesworth.

Benjamin, an all-rounder, has English parentage and will not need a work permit.

The youngster is an opening batsman and off-spinner, who plays for Carlton - the same club as Wrigglesworth.

Clitheroe Cricket chairman John Coulter said: ``It is an obvious blow that Flegler cannot play for us because of red tape. But we are confident Steve will be a good replacement.

``It was a gamble when we signed Ian at around the same age and he helped us to lift both the Ramsbottom Cup and Ribblesdale Senior League in successive seasons.

``If Steve proves anything like as successful as Ian then the disappointment over being unable to bring Shawn will soon be forgotten.''

A pre-season players' meeting will take place at Chatburn Road on Tuesday, April 6 at 8.30pm.