Pennine president position for Holder

CHAIRMAN Nigel Tench welcomes new Pennine Cricket League president John Holder.

CRICKET: FORMER Test umpire John Holder has been appointed president of the new Pennine Cricket League.

Roger Tanner, who held the role in the Saddleworth league for 58 years, was asked to become the competition’s first president, but in his 90s, he wrote to the league to step down - in the belief that he wouldn’t be abe to fulfil his duties as he would have liked.

Proposed by Royton — he played for the Paddock club in the 1970s and ’80s — Holder (70) was the unanimous choice of delegates at last night’s meeting in Middleton.

“I’m a serious cricket lover and feel honoured to be elected president of the Pennine League,” said Holder. “I’ve played in both leagues and wish clubs the very best for what I’m sure will be an exciting future.”