Pride at Abe’s sporting deeds

ABE CLAYTON

RUGBY LEAGUE: THE family of former Oldham St Anne’s loose forward Abe Clayton, who has died aged 76, have been recalling his sporting achievements with pride.

In 1956, Clayton became the first winner of the Ben Powell Trophy, after being named man-of-the-match in Saints’ 11-10 Standard Cup final victory over Saddleworth Rangers.

He embarked on a professional career and enjoyed successful stints with Leigh and Blackpool Boro, before hanging up his boots in the late 1960s and taking a full-time post as a security officer at Vitafoam in Middleton.

Clayton, who passed away at Avalon Park Nursing Home after a short illness, is survived by daughters Rita and Rachel, and sons Michael and Delwyn.

Rita said: “Our dad loved his rugby and enjoyed reminiscing about it in later life.

“He came from a rugby family. His father, Ab, played at Oldham Watersheddings.

“It was lovely to see some of dad’s former team-mates visit him in the last few weeks of his life.

“We learned so much about dad’s rugby days from the likes of Danny Gleeson, Tommy Bishop and Kenny Payne, who all sat around his bed telling stories.

“It was an honour for him to win the first ever Ben Powell Trophy, because it was for the best player on the pitch, in such an important game.

“Even though his short-term memory was not good towards the end, his long-term recollection was brilliant.

“He could tell us who he played against decades ago, and what the score was.”

The funeral takes place on Monday at Oldham Crematorium, at 10.30am.