Tributes have been paid to Accrington’s record-breaking wicketkeeper Jack Collier who has died aged 82.
Mr Collier, of West End, Oswaldtwistle, holds a 51 year record for the most wickets taken by an Accrington wicketkeeper with 309 catches and 90 stumpings in a senior career spanning over two decades.
His career began in 1949 and in 1961 he was a member of the championship winning side under Lindon Dewhurst.
The year before he set a club record for the most victims in a season claiming 40 wickets alongside legendary West Indian quick bowler Wes Hall, in his first professional season.
In 1964 he took over as first team captain before moving in 1969 to play for Whalley in the Ribblesdale League.
Last year his grandson Sam Tucker broke the wicketkeeping record for Church Cricket Club with 320 victims.
Sam, 26, said: “He was not only a sportsman but a family man as well and a very kind, considerate and humble man.
“Wherever I travelled with cricket he was always seen as a respectful figure and held in the highest regard.”
Sam, who works for a design agency in Manchester, has hailed the influence his grandfather had on his career from an early age.
“My earliest memory of him was being in the back yard and playing cricket with him,” said Sam. “He made a bat and he was bowling at me in the yard.
“He was a wonderful man and had a really good life and achieved a lot. He’s had a very good innings.”
A worker at the Royal Ordinance factory in Blackburn, Mr Collier was the dearly loved husband of Brenda, much loved dad of Janet, dear father-in-law to Steve, cherished grandpa of Samuel and the late Rachel and devoted great-grandpa of Ebony.
Peter Barratt, president of Accrington Cricket Club, said: “Jack was a fantastic player for us. He held the wicket keeping record for the club for 50 years and was a very integral part of the team.
“He was a really nice chap and always had a nice smile on his face. He certainly did his job on the field. It was fantastic the length of time he held the record for.”
His funeral was held at the West End Methodist Church, Oswaldtwistle.
