Cricket: Merseyside Competition - Skipper resigned to losing ace Goel.

Byline: ANDREW STRATTON

WAVERTREE skipper Graeme Gardner is resigned to the fact Sanjib Goel will not be returning to play for them this season.

Goel had problems over an entry visa and with the worsening situation involving Pakistan and India his arrival now seems highly unlikely.

It is a big blow for the Sandown Lane club. Goel topped the Bromborough Paints Merseyside Competition batting averages last season.

Today Wavertree travel to Cheshire Lines. Opening bowler Mark Kelly resumes and batsman Rod Salisbury is also called up.

Promoted Moorfield are setting the pace in division one after taking over from Prestatyn last weekend.

They face an interesting home game against Ainsdale.

Rainhill are at home to Sutton and will introduce former Sutton players Joe and Martin Harvey to give the game added spice.

Prestatyn, after suffering their first defeat, will expect to bounce back at home to Whitefield.

Defending champions and now third, Birkenhead St Marys have allrounder Peter Williams back in contention for the trip to Manweb, who are still without a win.

The Competition Colts begin their campaign in the Royal and Sun Alliance North West Colts Trophy on Sunday against the Ribblesdale League at Rainhill. Gareth Boughey, from Prestatyn, will skipper the side.

Irby, at Christleton in division two of the Murray Smith Cheshire County League, bring in batsman Alistair Fair as they look for a third successive victory.

In division one of the Meller Braggins Cheshire League Parkonians bring in batsmen Simon Blackwell and Peter Fearon and bowler Dave Colbourn away to Bollington.

Parkonians and Irby meet in round two of the Cheshire Cup tomorrow at Holm Lane.