9,000 is just the start for Northern star Grey

IT’S 9,000 runs and counting for one of the Love Lane Liverpool Competition’s most consistent performers... and Liam Grey says he’s a long way from done yet.

- By TOM EVANS

The Northern all-rounder ticked off the milestone during his 12th century for the 1st XI last Saturday, against Formby.

He made his debut for the Crosby side in 2015, against the same opposition - in one of those coincidences cricket seems to specialise in, his first inning was ended by a catch by Ian Cockbain Snr, the father of the player who caught him on Saturday.

The game ended in a narrow defeat for Northern, despite Grey's 106.

“I've never been a massive believer in stats unless your team wins a game of cricket,” he said.

“It tarnishes it a bit - I found myself sitting in the clubhouse thinking it doesn’t feel the same because at the end of the day we play to win games of cricket.

There have been plenty of opportunities to celebrate over the years, though.

Grey has won two league titles, two Ray Digman Trophies, a Lancashire Cup and a National T20 - alongside finishing as a runner-up in two leagues, one Digman and two National Club Championships.