 After his education at Hurstpierpoint College and St Chad's College, Durham University, he played for Sussex, Wellington and Durham in first-class cricket, before capping off a 17-year career with Northumberland.He joined Sussex in 1986, playing two Youth Test matches the following calendar year, against Sri Lanka Young Cricketers.In July 1987, he participated in his debut Second XI Championship match, in a draw against Hampshire.