AWARD-winning Foster's Halifax League bowler Sam Wilson has left champions Jer Lane to join Aire-Wharfe League Division Two club Pool.

Wilson, who won the Premier Division bowling averages in 2014 with 12.55 – also taking the most wickets with 56 – was only at Horton Bank Top for one season, having joined from Clayton.

But Lane have not been idle in their quest for a third straight league title as they have recruited opening bowler Mansha Khan from Haworth Road in the Craven League and Booth all-rounder Chris Shannon.

Jer Lane skipper Mick Hustler said that ultra-consistent line-and-length bowler Wilson had told him a few weeks ago that he wished to move.

Hustler revealed: "He said he had been approached by Pool and quite fancied it. We didn't want to stop him doing what he wanted."

The Lane captain stressed that Wilson would be a big loss, having cleaned up the prizes at the club's end-of-season presentation – including the player of the year award.

However, Hustler said his side were delighted with their two captures to help offset the loss of Wilson.

He described former Saltaire bowler 'Charlie' Khan as a Bradford League legend and said that he had been highly recommended.

Hustler added that Shannon was one of the Halifax League's best left-handed batsmen, saying: "He is a proven top opening batsman and still a young talent."

Hustler knows Shannon is also a very capable bowler and fielder and hopes he can progress further.

Shannon's loss is a blow to Booth, who finished 24 points behind Lane in the runners-up spot last season.

He joined Booth from Bradshaw two seasons ago and in 2014 scored 600 runs, while also taking 30 wickets with his quick inswinging deliveries.

Richard Laycock, who will be vice-captain to Robert Cockroft at Booth next season, said of Shannon: "Chris is a good all-rounder and it is a shame – but we will have to soldier on.

"He started last season really well, had a poor period in the middle and then came back towards the end."