Cowley quits Bournemouth

7:00am Friday 25th July 2008

BOURNEMOUTH have been rocked by the departure of big-hitting batsman Darren Cowley.

The 31-year-old, son of ex-Hampshire star Nigel Cowley, has quit the Chapel Gate outfit, citing "personal reasons".

His exit comes just a fortnight after former Essex skipper Paul Prichard told the club he would be unavailable for the rest of the season due to work commitments.

Cowley, who stood down as Bournemouth captain at the end of last season, has joined Dorset Premier League strugglers Suttoners.

The explosive left-handed batsman and off-spin bowler has confirmed he will continue to turn out for Dorset in the Minor Counties Championship.

He told the Daily Echo: "There are no hard feelings between me and Bournemouth. I'm very grateful for what they have done for me and I enjoyed my time there."

Cowley, who represented South Africa at under-19 level, was Bournemouth's leading run-maker in the Southern Premier League this season.

Bournemouth skipper Craig de Weymarn told the Daily Echo: "Darren has been a great cricketer for us over a number of years and it's certainly a big loss because he's such a great talent. He's the type of player who can change a game within a few overs and was an important part of our side.

"But, at the same time, we've got good depth at Bournemouth and I'm sure there are plenty of people who can step up and play a similar role. We're sorry to see him go but I think the future is still promising."

Off-spinner Joe Hall will replace Cowley as Bournemouth bid to halt a four-match winless run when they host in-form Division One rivals South Wilts tomorrow (11.30am).

Three defeats and a draw have seen Bournemouth slip off the pace in recent weeks following a flying start which saw them win seven of their opening eight games.

De Weymarn added: "There have been some poor performances, both individually and collectively. We haven't performed to the high standards we set ourselves at the start of the season.

"But it's a very young side and it's a learning process for a lot of the players. It means that we will be stronger in the future as long as we can keep the boys together.

"This run of games is heightened somewhat by the fact that we had such a great start to the season and expectations were raised.

"We start every game in the same frame of mind and are trying to get the best result possible every time we take to the pitch.

"We had a positive result against South Wilts at the start of the season and they have certainly hit a bit of form recently so it'll be a good challenge.

"They've got some influential players and seem to be performing well as a team but we're certainly ready for it."

Jo Cranch also returns for Bournemouth with Matt Stickland dropping back to the twos.

Bournemouth: N Park, J Park, De Weymarn, Hall, Wells, Cranch, Watkins, Ridley, Wainwright, Denham, Smith.