The reasons for Highfield’s keenness to get this bit of business done early are not difficult to understand. Lakmal has so far scored 503 runs in 15 innings in the second tier of the Liverpool Gin Liverpool Competition this season and he has taken 52 wickets at a startling average of 8.73. He has played a major role in helping the Billinge Road side build a 40-point lead over second-placed Rainford at the top of the First Division table.
“It’s great to have Bala returning next year,” said Highfield skipper James Taylor. “He has been an excellent addition to our club, both on the field with fantastic contributions as our professional and off the field as a valued member of our wider club. He has settled in very well and is liked by all. I'm sure everyone will join me in wishing him the best for the rest of this season, his season back home in Sri Lanka and then when he returns in the new year. It’s great that Gary Speakman and the committee have been able to sort this, it’s a great boost as we go into the final few weeks of the season".
Speakman added: "It’s rare for us to sort out an overseas player so far in advance, but as a Committee we were keen to back Jimmy as our captain and also our Director of Cricket, Mike Gregory, who both wanted to re-engage Bala. Clearly he has had a great impact on our club, as a player, a coach and as a nice guy, and we are looking forward to more of that for the rest of this season and next".
