A record-breaking cricketer could bow out in style when he plays his last match in the Worsley Cup Final – before beginning a new life in Dubai.

Sam Tucker, 26, the Church wicket-keeper, is set to make his final showing against Ramsbottom on Sunday, August 7.

Soon after he will jet out to Dubai with his girlfriend Sophie Duff, after accepting a position working on a project redesigning the airport. 

In 2010 he was responsible for more dismissals than anyone in the club’s history with 320.

He said: “It breaks my heart to leave the club I love but the time is right to take this fantastic opportunity.

“I am also travelling to Dubai for an initial period of two weeks and will return in the lead up to what will be an emotional final day for me.

“I grew up near the cricket club and I have played for it since I was eight, so it has always been a big part in my life.  Although I currently live in Manchester, I have always come back to play and it will be sad to leave, but this is a great opportunity for me.”

Sam’s parents Janet and Steve live in Knuzden and he is the grandson of the late Jack Collier, who played for Accrington Cricket Club in the 1960s.

Sam said: “It’s an interesting time for the club at the moment as we are in the Worsley Cup final for the first time since 2002, and we are hosting it for the first time since 1974 –- which is the last time we won it.

“I’ve been involved in the club on the committee level as well as playing, we have built the team up and so it is bittersweet to be leaving.

“I have played for the first team for 10 years now and
I think it will be quite a shock once I am no longer playing. I doubt I will be playing over there, as apart from anything else, you have to think about the climate.

“As a Lancashire lad, it will take some getting used to.”