CRAVEN League cricket in general and the Embsay club in particular have lost a tremendous friend with the sudden death of Harold Batchelor, who died on Sunday aged 82.

He was a stalwart of the Shires Lane club for over 60 years and a member of the Batchelor family that has supported Embsay and local cricket for many years.

Harold was a member of the 1941 Wynn Cup side that defeated Bradley at Sandylands and during the war he served in the Army. Just a month after being demobilized in 1946, he enjoyed his finest hour as a bowler. Playing at Cowling, he took all ten wickets for 41 - and also scored 41 runs for good measure as his team won by 49 runs.

He topped the league bowling averages on one occasion and the batting twice and in 1960 he took 8-34 at Glusburn in the Wynn Cup final against Thornton. In three cup matches that year he took 21 wickets for 65 runs.

He captained Embsay in 1957 and 1958 and led the Second XI in 1970 and 71.

His last appearance as a player was in 1975 when he still had the guile to finish with 5-41 from 20 overs.

He was President of the club from 1977-80 and will be fondly remembered as a man who was always available to pass on advice to young players and helped quite a few to iron out problems with their batting and bowling technique.

"Harold was the kind of personality every cricket club in the land counts itself very lucky to have," says Trevor Coe.

"He was well-liked and well-respected, a fine player in his day and one of those loyal servants that are the lifeblood of the game. He will be much missed by a lot of people who have shared his friendship and his experience."