SPORTING circles throughout the Keighley area were stunned by the sudden death of Geoff Knowles this week.

Geoff, 53, captain of Cross Roads cricket club's 2nd XI had scored a match-winning 53 not out in their local derby match with Riddlesden. But less than three hours later he had died of a heart attack.

"There was no sign of any problem at the match, but he didn't come for a drink afterwards," said close friend and team mate John Pullen.

Geoff was taken ill after returning home and died despite the efforts of ambulance paramedics.

He had played with Cross Roads all his cricketing career, captaining both the first and second teams over the years. Before taking up cricket he was a keen footballer and had trials with Leeds United in his youth.

He played for Keighley Boys and Keighley Minors, and was a playing member of Haworth FC for many years.

He was born in Keighley had been married to his wife Lynda for 31 years and has three children, Dean, Warren and Janine. He also has two grandchildren.

After leaving the old Keighley Technical College he started work as an apprentice overlooker in the textile trade and worked for Peter Blacks for many years. He continued to work in textiles until becoming an insurance man nine years ago, which took him into contact with may local people. In 1996 he was named as one of the top 35 insurance salesmen in the country.

On Sunday Cross Roads cancelled their fixtures, and the second XI will not be playing this weekend as a mark of respect. The Bradford Central League's executive committee held a minute's silence in Geoff's memory before their meeting last night.

"Geoff's death is a tragedy for his family and he will be greatly missed both by his club and throughout the league. He was good worker and a very loyal clubman," said Mr Gilbert Croudson, league president.

A funeral service is to be held today (Friday) at St James Church, Cross Roads at 11am.

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