Death of Heyside stalwart

Dave Firth

HEYSIDE Cricket Club secretary Dave Firth, who won three Saddleworth League titles and two Tanner Cups, has died, aged 50.

Taken ill over Christmas, he passed away on New Year’s Day at Crumpsall Hospital.

Dave was in the Heyside team that dominated the Saddleworth and District Cricket League scene in the mid-1990s, before taking over the role as secretary. He also represented the club at league meetings.

Son, Steven, said: “My dad was in an unbelievable side, which did the double.

“He was a very unorthodox bowler and always batted at number 11. I don’t think even he knew what he was going to bowl sometimes, but he was very effective.

“I played with him in the seconds a few times and I managed to take a catch off his bowling. The scorebook read ‘caught S Firth, bowled D Firth’, and I think he liked that.”

Tony Heaton played alongside Firth in the all-conquering Heyside team.

He said: “It was a great side and included the likes of Mark Barnes, Glenn Dawson and Darren Graham.

“Dave bowled medium-pace outswingers as well as big off-cutters, and they did the damage.

“His death is very sad and at such a relatively young age as well.”

Dave was a junior at Little Hey Street and scorer for the firsts before becoming a regular player.

The Firth family boast a long tradition at Heyside as David’s father, Tony, is president of the club.

Trevor Harrison, secretary of the Saddleworth League, said: “We are very sorry to learn of Dave’s death.

“He served Heyside Cricket Club well for several years, both as secretary and league representative, and was a local character who will be sadly missed in the future.”

Arrangements for Dave’s funeral will be published later.




GLODWICK Cricket Club are staging Saturday morning coaching sessions at Breezehill School.



The first one gets under way at 9.30 and lasts 90 minutes — it is aimed specifically at young beginners — with the under-13 to 15 age group following on at 11am until 12.30pm.

The sessions are taken by former Royton player Dave Cooper, who currently coaches the West Yorkshire District squad, and combine fun along with learning the skills of cricket.

For more details call 07954 695591.




ANYONE interested in taking up cricket umpiring can attend a course at Royton Cricket Club, organised by the Association of Cricket Officials.



The course starts on January 12 (7.30pm) for nine weekly sessions at a total cost of £20.

Those interested can contact Eric Roberts (0161-652 1108), David Whiteman (01706 365227) or Nigel Tench (07703 322728).