Cricket: Schofield quits for Cheshire rivals.

Byline: BY NEIL GOULDING

FORMER England and Lancashire leg-spinning all-rounder Chris Schofield will not be playing for Minor Counties winners Cheshire this season.

The former Red Rose ace has been lured away to play for Suffolk, Cheshire's rivals with whom they shared last year's Minor Counties crown after a drawn final.

"Chris has told us he won't be playing for us this season, which is disappointing," revealed a Cheshire source, who indicated that the 27-year-old has had his wages doubled.

"He's apparently been offered a lot more money than we can offer him, so he's decided to leave.

"He will be missed because he's such a good player. He had a great debut season with the bat and ball, so hopefully we won't miss him too much."

Cheshire have also lost former Lancashire batsman Mark Currie. The Alderley Edge captain has retired from Minor Counties cricket to concentrate on his club cricket and work commitments.

However, the county have been in talks with ex-Derbyshire ace Ben Spendlove.

Spendlove has agreed to play for Oulton Park in the Cheshire County League under the captaincy of former Derbyshire team-mate Nathan Dumelow who, last season, starred for Cheshire.

"We heard about Ben through Nathan and he's interested in playing for us. Hopefully, we can sign him because he's rated very highly."

Oulton Park chairman Roy Ramsbottom added: "Ben's agreed to play for us. He's good friends with Nathan Dumelow and that was one of the main reasons why he wants to play for us, as well as the possibility of Minor Counties cricket."

CAPTION(S):

Chris Schofield