Tribute to former Oldham captain

John Lewis-Badgett in his playing days

RUGBY UNION:

FORMER Oldham RU captain John Lewis-Badgett has died, aged 69.

A second-row forward, he was an integral part of the club’s successful team of the 1970s.

He was skipper for two seasons from 1972 to 1974.

John (pictured above) captained Oldham to a famous victory in a cup game against a strong Liverpool side which featured several international players.

Losing 11-0, he kicked a long-range penalty to instigate a superb fightback against their illustrious opponents.

Barry Owen followed up with two tries, one of which was converted, to give Oldham a stunning 13-11 win.

As well as John’s prowess at second row, he was also a long-range goal-kicker of some note.

He placed the ball like a torpedo facing the posts when most kickers had the ball angled towards the strike.

John regularly fired the ball between the posts from 50 yards.

A member of the first-team squad for eight years, he later had a spell at Broughton Park, but always retained a connection with Oldham.

Terry Hurst, who was chairman of the club in John’s playing days, said: “He stood at 6ft 6in, but he was a gentle giant — a lovely man.”

John died peacefully at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice. The service and committal will take place at Oldham Crematorium on Tuesday, January 11 (1pm).