Influential Calmore Sports captain Mark Lavelle could miss the start of the new British Gas Southern League cricket season after fracturing his ankle in a Sunday football match.

Lavelle, whose 27 wickets played a key role in Calmore’s Division 2 title triumph last summer, was playing for AFC Forestside in a Sunday Cup semi-final tie when he was injured,.

He explained: “I went up for an aerial challenge but on landing my studs caught in the ground and my foot rolled over. I’ve fractured my ankle bone and have soft tissue.

“The diagnosis won't be clear for a couple of weeks until swelling goes down but hopefully I’ll be okay in six to eight weeks, so it will be tight for the start of the cricket season.”

Newly promoted Calmore should have a young Australian in their ranks for the opening Division 1 match against Hook & newnham Basics at Loperwood Park on May 6.

Jack Ruddy, a 21-year old spin all-rounder from the Victorian club Brighton, will be Calmore’s overseas player this season.