Hegg coup for Bamford

CRICKET: FORMER Lancashire and England wicketkeeper Warren Hegg will play for Bamford Fieldhouse on Sunday in the last 16 of the National Knock-out Cup.

But regular stumper Jason Maher need not worry as Hegg (42) will only play as a batsman when he lines up against hosts Farnworth, from the Bolton League (start 1pm).

Hegg retired from first-class cricket in 2005 after 19 years at Old Trafford, where he was also captain for three seasons from 2002. He also played two Tests for England.

Bamford secured Hegg’s signature through an association with former Lancashire team-mate Ian Austin.

Meanwhile, Bamford will this season bid to become only the third club in the last 20 years to notch a notable double.

The first team play Greenfield on Sunday, August 15, in the Tanner Cup final, while the seconds go head to head with Austerlands at Thorpe Lane — Austerlands won the toss to host the final — seven days earlier in the Moore Cup.

The last club to do the double was Heyside in 2008, while Saddleworth achieved the same feat in 2002.