The 25-year-old has amassed 890 runs for the side in the 3D Sports Northern League so far this season with three centuries, including 162 not out at Netherfield.

But he is set to make an early return to domestic action with the Eagles, missing Carnforth's last four games. He will play against Preston this weekend and Morecambe on August 23.

Carnforth are expected to turn to South African Wayne Madsen who stood in for Bailey in the first two games of the season.

Carnforth chairman Mark Holmes said: "Ryan looked set to re-write the club and league batting records at one stage, but his form has dipped in the last month from the very high standards he set himself.

"But he achieved what he set out to do and if he had stayed a full season would have surely hit his targets of 1,200 runs and 30 wickets.

"I am sure that in the years to come he will look back fondly on his time at Carnforth and the way he was treated by the club."

Lancaster are one position below Carnforth in the table, only four points behind, following their win over their neighbours at Lune Road on Sunday.

Lancaster skipper Dave Heywood said: "We needed a win and getting 15 points means we are back amongst the pack and if we can get a few more wins, we should have a respectable finish."

Ryan Nelson scored his first 50 for the club on Sunday, ironically against his old team.

Heywood said: "Hopefully now Ryan can kick on from that and get into a bit of form towards the end of the season and get a few more fifties."

For the trip to leaders Blackpool, Lancaster will be without Brendan Hetherington due to a hamstring strain. Charlie Swarbrick comes in.

Morecambe recall Jono Gates for Phil Thornton for the weekend's two matches against St Annes and, on Sunday, against Kendal in the Furness Building Society League Cup second round.

n A LANCASTER Cricket Club spokesperson has contacted the Lancaster Guardian concerning the club's forthcoming Barmy Army day.

The planned morning match should have been entitled 'Lancaster Royal Grammar School Under 16s XI v Lancaster Schools Under 16s XI' rather than 'LRGS v State Schools'.

There was no purposeful intention of suggesting that LRGS was a private school. It is, in fact, a state school too.

The spokesperson apologised for any confusion.

The Barmy Army Day will be on August 31 at Lune Road.