Cricket: Hey leaves Northern for Bowdon

Oct 12 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

RECORD-breaking batsman Carl Hey has left Northern and will be playing for Cheshire County League side Bowdon in 2008.

However, the prolific opener, who last month eclipsed Dr John Winter’s aggregate of 1423 runs in a Liverpool Competition season, was at pains to stress that the decision was prompted entirely by family commitments.

“It’s basically a lifestyle move,” he explained. “My partner and I are expecting a baby in December and although I’m working in Liverpool, I’m living in Manchester, so travelling to Merseyside at weekends would be too much.”

“I’d been contemplating moving to a club nearer Manchester and obviously I wanted to play at as high a level as I could,” continued Hey, who also plays Minor Counties cricket for Cumberland. “An opportunity presented itself at Bowdon and I’ve decided to take it. I feel I’m doing the right thing by my family and the cricket fits in with that.”

Hey also paid tribute to the officials at Northern and acknowledged the influence the Moor Park club has had upon his career.

“I’ve spoken with Tony Coyne who was chairman when I came to Northern and has been a good friend to me,” he said. “I’ve also spoken to the captain Phil Cooper and he understands too. They’ve both thanked me for my efforts.”

The timing of Hey’s departure gives Cooper plenty of time to plan for the 2008 campaign.