Steely resolve and a talent to match

Derek Meynell in action

CRICKET OBITUARY

FACING the like of cricketing legend Sir Garfield Sobers became the norm for Derek Meynell, who has died at the age of 75.

A batsman of repute with Central Lancashire League side Werneth, where he forged a formidable opening partnership alongside Dennis Heywood, he went on to represent Lancashire seconds and played several seasons in Jersey.

But it was at The Coppice where Derek first came to prominence.

He played many notable innings, including one of the longest in CLL history, during a remarkable Wood Cup semi-final against Middleton.

Showing extreme powers of concentration, Derek hit 118 not out . . . in four-and-a-half hours, spread over 12 days. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a happy ending as Werneth lost the tie.

Derek and Werneth did celebrate Wood Cup glory in 1959, alongside the likes of Heywood, Jack Roscoe, Keith Kirkman skipper Alf Alker and professional John Ingham.

Reputations counted for nothing in Derek’s eyes.

He slammed a brilliant hundred against Radcliffe in one CLL match.

The Chronicle reported that “his century included some delightful shots as he hooked, pulled, square cut and drove powerfully everything that Radcliffe could throw at him, including one six off Sobers, which he deflected off his nose”.

Another newspaper cutting, under the heading “Promising” said of Derek. “A youngster with fine merit. He could go a long way if only he would take his cricket a little more seriously.”

And even from a young age, he was attracting attention as the then Counthill Grammar School pupil won the ‘Cricketer of the Week’ award at a holiday camp in Pwllheli, Wales.

A joiner by trade, he also had spells in the Bolton League with Tonge, at Austerlands in the Saddleworth League and as Lockwood’s professional in the Huddersfield League.

However, he is best remembered for his association with Werneth at a time when local league cricket attracted some of the best players in the world.

Derek’s funeral takes place at Oldham Crematorium on Friday at 2.30pm, with refreshments at the White Lion, Delph.