THE North Lancs and Cumbria Cricket League has lost a great servant following the death of Ron Lindley, aged 82.

Lindley made his name as part of the great Vickerstown team of the 1960s.

He remained involved in the local game as a player until the 1990s, and then served for many years as an umpire and a dedicated official.

Such was his great contribution to the North Lancs League, he is one of just a handful of people to have been made a life member.

The 1950s to mid-60s were Vickerstown’s golden era, with the Rainey Park side winning the league in 1952, 1961 and 1964 and the Higson Cup in 1958 and 1965.

To put into perspective the gravity of Lindley’s achievements with Vickerstown, he captained the first XI to the North Lancs League title in 1964 and the Higson Cup triumph the following year – and the Walney Islanders have won neither of those two competitions in the 50-plus years since.

A fine left-hand opening bat and excellent fielder and tactician, Lindley later played for Furness and helped them win the Vigodny Cup in 1988.

He was also an astute coach and nurtured many talented youngsters with his sound advice and technical knowledge.

After finally hanging up his bat, Lindley took up umpiring and was a highly-regarded official for many years.

He also served as team manager of the North Lancs League Senior XI team, helping them to successes in the Inter-League tournament.

Lindley passed his flair for cricket on to his sons Peter and Dave, who also played for Vickerstown for many years.

North Lancs and Cumbria League president Colin Bickerstaffe paid tribute to Lindley, saying: “He was a gentleman who gave massive service to local cricket, especially the North Lancs. and Cumbria League.

“After his playing days, he was elected to the league’s management committee.

“Ron was then appointed to the league secretaryship and held the post from 1983 to 1986.

“He continued his work for the league when he joined the Umpires’ Federation, and became its chairman in 1999 and held the post until ill health caused his retirement in 2008.

“His contribution to local cricket was truly immense, and some cricketers playing today benefited with coaching from Ron, who was a certificated coach.

“The league is much the poorer now that Ron has left us, his service to local cricket should never be forgotten.”

League chairman Gary Postlethwaite said: “Ron had a long involvement with the league through first playing and then umpiring.

“He was also a great servant to the league across a number of roles. He put a lot into the game.

“He was a very well known and respected individual at all the clubs he has played at and within the league.”

Lindley’s funeral will be held on Monday at Thorncliffe Crematorium, starting at 2.30pm.