NELSON skipper Russ Bradley is keen for his side to secure a top half Lancashire League finish this season, even if they have to play the rest of the campaign without professional Reeza Hendricks.

The all-rounder has been called up by South Africa for their one-day tour of Sri Lanka and played his last game for Nelson at the weekend, taking five wickets and adding 32 runs in the victory over Crompton.

The result leaves Nelson in 11th heading into this weekend’s clash with a Todmorden side who start the day just two places further back.

And Bradley, whose side will now be relying on sub professionals for the remainder of the season, knows how important it is to secure a top 12 spot come September.

“That is our sole focus now,” he said. “We want to make sure we are in the top half for when the league splits.

“We are on the right side of it at the moment and if we can beat Todmorden then it opens up a little gap to them in 13th.

“It is a big game for us and we have to keep fighting to make sure we finish in the top 12.

“We are out of both cup competitions so we can concentrate entirely on the league now.”

Hendricks, 28, departs Nelson having scored 302 runs in 11 innings while also taking 23 wickets.

And it is the South African’s performances with the ball that have impressed Bradley.

“He has bowled very well for us,” he added.

“He has had a good season and we are disappointed to see him go back this early but we wish him well.

“I don’t think Nelson Cricket Club can stand in the way of South Africa so hopefully he does well for them.”