Norden enjoyed an excellent weekend, with wins over local rivals Rochdale in the league and Ormskirk in the LCF Knockout.

Saturday saw Stag Park host the first derby of the season as previously unbeaten Rochdale made the short trip. A beautiful day and a flat looking surface made Greg Butterworth’s decision to bowl first more difficult than it usually is at this ground, but brother Scott took the early wicket of Rochdale professional Henry Hunt, caught at point failing to fully commit to a cut shot. Zimmy Khan, newly arrived at the ground having had his shopping trip interrupted when told the game was on Saturday not Sunday, joined Ali Muzaffar and Muzaffar in particular began to take the attack to the Norden bowlers. The 4-pronged home bowling attack was starting to look a little threadbare as the experienced Rochdale pair combined effectively. Khan was measured and Muzaffar aggressive, as he looked to clear the front leg and find the short Stag Park boundaries. Butterworth was struggling for options as the partnership crept up towards 150 and he turned to Oli Holt, which proved to be an inspired decision. In his third over, the medium pacer removed both set batters and completely changed the course of the game. First Khan was bowled through the gate, and then Muzaffar, rather than consolidating after the loss of a wicket, tried to clear long-on but could only find the safe hands of Lukas Debnam. All of a sudden, from threatening a total of up around 300, Rochdale had to set their sights lower and rebuild. Andy Dawson, dropped on 7 by Josh Tolley at cover, played nicely for a run-a-ball 40, but until a couple of late boundaries from Jack Duffy, the rest of Rochdale’s middle order were unable to play as fluently. Scott Butterworth took a couple of wickets late on to finish with three, and Rochdale closed on 247 for 6, perhaps a shade over par but certainly less than where they had threatened to be at half way.

Norden’s recent struggles at the top of the order were not to be repeated as Josh Tolley and Alex Willis put on 62 for the opening wicket. Steve Oddy was his usual accurate self, though, and the run rate was starting to creep up when Willis was trapped in front by Khan. Ashar Zaidi was moved up to number three and he and Tolley began to set the foundations for yet another big partnership between Norden’s two main men. Like Norden, Rochdale looked a bowler short, but their change bowlers failed to have the impact Holt had done earlier and the batters were able to target Jacob Pauline, Hunt and Muzaffar, whose combined 12.2 overs went for 105 runs. Tolley backed up his century from last week with another here, surviving one scare as Michael Harling dropped a straightforward chance at mid-on when the game may still have been in the balance, and Zaidi put his foot down to race to an unbeaten 91 off just 72 balls. The partnership finished unbroken on 186 and Norden took 10 points, with the 9 wicket margin of victory failing to tell the full story of an excellent game.

1^st XI Scorecard: https://norden.play-cricket.com/website/results/5592465
1^st XI Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0ohDd2b–s

Norden were definite underdogs when they took the long trip to Ormskirk on Sunday afternoon in the 1^st round of the LCF Knockout. The hosts were losing finalists last year and knocked Norden out of this competition in 2021. Ormskirk won the toss and elected to bat, but Norden have a different look to their new-ball attack this year and the fast starts offered to opponents so often last season, are much harder to come by this. Scott Butterworth has bowled with good rhythm from the first game and Lukas Debnam has provided excellent support, with his just rewards in the wicket column surely not too far away. Butterworth again got the first breakthrough by removing the dangerous Alex Rankin. Missing Oli Holt from Saturday’s team, Josh Tolley was the Stags 5^th bowler and Greg Butterworth introduced him early to good effect. He dismissed George Politis and Calum Turner either side of Zaidi cleaning up Lancashire wicket-keeper George Lavelle. 42 without loss had become 58 for 4 and Norden were in charge of the game. This never really changed from that point as wickets comtinued to fall. Butterworth, Tolley and Zaidi all finished with 3 as Ormskirk limped to 104 all out.

Early wickets were needed if Ormskirk were to stand a chance, but they didn’t materealise as Tolley and Willis again got off to a solid start. Both fell with the score in the 40’s but Zaidi and Haris Hussain made sure there was no real wobble. Hussain has struggled at the start of his Norden career, but he showed flashes of his undoubted ability here against a strong attack, hitting 3 fours and a six in his 20. Norden reached their target inside 20 overs for an unexpectedly comfortable win and a place in round 2 away to Morecambe on the 11^th of June.
LCF Knockout Scorecard: https://norden.play-cricket.com/website/results/5572282

Victory for the 2nds at Redbrook meant it was a perfect weekend for Norden. Mo Waheed took 5 wickets as Rochdale were bowled out for 139 and Hashum Malik was at his destructive best, hitting 68 as Norden chased the runs down easily for the loss of just 3 wickets.
2^nd XI Scorecard: https://norden.play-cricket.com/website/results/5593265

Norden lost a dramatic game at Todmorden on Sunday, despite a century from Josh Tolley threatening to snatch victory for the visitors. Tod elected to bat first, but an excellent opening spell from Scott Butterworth had them struggling at 60 for 4. Professional WIll Bosisto and Noah Priestley then came together for a century partnership, as Norden’s spinners for once struggled to provide the middle-overs squeeze. It took the returning Lukas Debnam to eventually break the stand and he collected a further two wickets as Norden clawed themselves back into the game. Priestley made 54 and Bosisto went on to 73 before he was bowled by Ashar Zaidi and Todmorden probably felt they were a little short of where they could have got to when they were bowled out in the final over for 213. Butterworth was the standout for Norden with 4 for 43.

Norden were soon in big trouble at 11 for 3, with Alex Willis, Haris Hussain and Zaidi combining for just one run. Tolley and Greg Butterworth had some re-building to do, and they were forced to play patiently in their stand of 74. Butterworth fell to Bosisto when on 39 and Oli Holt and Lee Crabtree both provided some assistance, but when they fell it was Tolley who needed to change gears and get Norden close. Norden players and supporters have seen him do just that on many occasions and again he was up to the task, bringing up his century and leaving himself on strike for the final over with 8 needed to win and 2 wickets in hand. Tolley struck the first ball and called for 2, but was sent back by Dean Lord and, unable to turn and recover his ground, was beaten by the throw from Bosisto and run-out at the non-striker’s end. Lord was unable to hit the next ball for the boundary he needed and was stumped to give Todmorden the win and 12 points to Norden’s 7 in defeat. Tolley deserved better, but Norden must find more runs from other sources if they are to be competitive.
1^st XI Scorecard: https://norden.play-cricket.com/website/results/5592461

The seconds registered their first league win of the season with a demolition of Bacup at Stag Park. Just 36 overs were required in the match as Mo Munawar and Mo Waheed combined for 8 wickets to bowl Bacup out for just 64. Once Usama Malik had the dangerous looking Luke Bradford caught in the gully by David Bebb, it was easy going for Norden. The last 8 wickets fell for just 8 runs, with the highlight being a fine caught and bowled from Waheed who juggled a sharp return chance and managed to cling on to the rebound one-handed. It only took Hashum Malik and Oli Kirkby 8 overs to knock the runs off, with Malik’s power and Kirkby’s timing being much too good for the Bacup attack.
2^nd XI Scorecard: https://norden.play-cricket.com/website/results/5593258
2nd XI Highlights : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XtzxxCT6XM&feature=youtu.be

The thirds also managed their first victory of the year on Saturday against Rishton thirds. After tight opening spells from Kirkby and Will Hindley, there were 3 wickets each for Mo Iqbal, Stan Kearns and Charlie Gooding as Rishton limped to 93 all out in 35 overs. Iqbal was particularly impressive, bowling a full length and swinging the ball late. His figures of 3 for 14 from 8 overs did not flatter him at all. An opening partnership of 62 between Spencer Allen and Kirkby meant there were no wobbles in the run chase. Kirkby went on to make an impressive 46* as The Stags secured a 7 wicket win for a maximum 12 points.
3^rd XI Scorecard: https://norden.play-cricket.com/website/results/5616265

Nickname : Tilley

Squad no. 22

Batting Style : Audacious

Highest Score : 177

Favourite Shot : Lofted cover drive

Bowling Style : Hittable

Biggest cricketing achievement : My first 5 fer in senior cricket

How will the Stags go in 2023 : We will compete in all comps. Need to turn up to the big games, and hopefully get some silverware

Favourite movie : Forrest Gump

Favourite song : Bohemian rhapsody

Life motto : Hey… I don’t have all the answers. In life, to be honest, I have failed as much as I have succeeded. But I love my dog. I love my life. And I wish you my kind of success.

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After a tough first few weeks of the season with poor weather and no wins from any senior team, Norden finally got their season going at the weekend with a couple of good cup wins and a tight victory for the 1^st XI at home to Littleborough on Sunday.

Saturday saw Great Harwood make the trip to Stag Park in the Worsley Cup, with the fixture reversed in the Junior Cup. Overseas amateur Lukas Debnam took his first wickets for the club after Greg Butterworth had won his first toss of the season. The visitors then recovered through professional Thikshila De Silva and Matt Oddie to reach 79 for 2 before Usama Malik took the key wicket of De Silva and that triggered a collapse of 5 wickets for just 20 runs. Butterworth enjoyed himself from the bottom end and, despite some late order resistance from Jake Peake, he was too good for the second division outfit and finished with the impressive figures of 5 for 11 as Great Harwood were bowled out for 130 in the 40^th over. The total didn’t appear to be one that should trouble this Norden side, but Ethan Houldsworth struck twice in his first over, and very nearly had a 3^rd which could have made the game very interesting indeed. First, Alex Willis was trapped in front and Harris Hussain followed two balls later. This brought Ashar Zaidi to the crease, back at his favoured number 4 position, and he pushed outside off stump to his first ball and was dropped at second slip. That would have left Norden struggling on 5 for 3, but it turned out to be the last chance Great Harwood were to create as Zaidi and Josh Tolley consolidated and then showed their quality as they both made unbeaten half centuries as Norden cruised home with over 30 overs remaining.
Worsley Cup Scorecard: https://norden.play-cricket.com/website/results/5522356
Worsley Cup Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a7gBJ8qvl4

The seconds also recorded their first win of the year, but in a very different fashion. 97 for 3 became 147 all out for Phil Docker’s side as only David Bebb with 59 really coming to terms with a tough surface to bat on. The Stags were grateful for 35 extras donated by their hosts. It wasn’t until the score had reached 38 that Mo Waheed got Norden’s first breakthrough, but from that point Great Harwood were unable to put a partnership together and there were 2 wickets apiece for father and son Waheed, Bebb and the impressive Jamie Taylor. Oli Kirkby also chipped in with the key wicket of the home skipper, Miles Corish. The game was in the balance until the final over with Great Harwood requiring 7 runs with one wicket remaining. Mo Munawar was the man entrusted with the ball and his second delivery was pushed into the off side, where Spencer Allen picked up cleanly to run last man Marcus Hamer out at the bowler’s end. The celebrations on the field were matched back at Stag Park with a crowd gathered round the TV watching the YouTube stream.
Junior Cup Scorecard: https://norden.play-cricket.com/website/results/5522367

It was mixed fortunes in two tight games on Sunday, with the 1^st XI narrowly fending off Littleborough by 17 runs but the seconds falling short of a small target by just 8 runs at Hare Hill.

Visiting skipper Clint Perren had no hesitation in asking Norden to bat first at Stag Park, but even he must have been surprised by how hard the pitch was to bat on early on. Inconsistent bounce and two-paced, it was a real challenge for Norden’s top order as Ryan Miskella and Lewis Willman bowled accurately. Willman’s first 8 overs contained 7 maidens and just one ball that went for runs. Tolley’s frustration got the better of him as he played an uncharacteristically poor stroke to pick out visiting professional Bryce Street at midwicket. Hussain and Willis quickly followed but Zaidi found some help from Greg Butterworth initially, and then Lee Crabtree. After Crabtree went for a well-made 27, another 2 quick wickets fell and Norden were in big trouble at 129 for 8. Zaidi, though, realised it was time to take charge and target the short boundary. He did this with a mixture of aggressive pickups and reverse sweeps, smartly making the short boundary his leg-side from both ends. Dean Lord and Jozef Gordon did well to get Zaidi on strike as much as possible and the last two wickets put on a crucial 54. Zaidi reached a superb century off 119 balls, one of his best knocks for Norden. Street took 4 for 45 for Littleborough, although it was Willman who really caught the eye with the ball. It was 184 to win for Littleborough and the chase provided plenty of excitement and a little controversy. Zak Perren looked very fortunate not to be given out LBW in the first over, but was then adjudged out in the same method a couple of overs later to one that didn’t look quite as straight. Tom Pye failed to run his bat in as Crabtree threw down the stumps and Norden were on top. Street played cautiously but solidly, and alongside Miskella and then Matty Hernon, he took the score up to 91 for 3. Hernon became Greg Butterworth’s first wicket as he chipped to Willis at cover and Clint Perren looked to get a rough one off the same bowler. Louis Russell looked like he might be the man to help Street get Littleborough home, but he was run out by a fantastic direct hit from the boundary from Harris Hussain and at that point it looked like the job was entirely on Street’s shoulders. He was unable to find the boundary with the same regularity as Zaidi had and the Littleborough lower order could not get him on strike quickly enough. Zaidi came back from the scoreboard end and made it very tough for anyone new to the crease. Despite Street’s best efforts in his 68, Littleborough fell short as Debnam bowled a very skilled penultimate over and Zaidi took 4 wickets to add to his century and finish an excellent all-round performance. This was a hugely improved performance in the field from Norden compared to previous seasons and they took a hard-fought 12 points from the match, with Littleborough picking up 6 bonus points. 1
1^st XI Scorecard: https://norden.play-cricket.com/website/results/5592453

The seconds fell to a disappointing loss at Hare Hill after bowling Littleborough out for just 115. Usama Malik took 4 wickets and there were 2 for Mo Munawar as Norden’s seamers did the damage. The chase was looking like a pretty comfortable one at 70 for 3 with Hashum Malik going well. However, the wily experience of Phil Deakin proved to be decisive as he sent down 11 overs of left arm spin for just 10 runs, picking up 4 wickets in the process. Norden’s middle and lower orders struggled to find ways to score and a game that should have been won, resulted in defeat by 8 runs after being bowled out for 107 in the 43^rd over. 7 bonus points were the small consolation.
2^nd XI Scorecard: https://norden.play-cricket.com/website/results/5593251

Nickname : Dirk Kuyt, Spunky, Debbers

Squad no. 77

Batting Style : Positive

Highest Score : 83

Favourite Shot : On Drive

Bowling Style : Right arm don’t hit the seam

Biggest cricketing achievement : First Grade Debut

How will the Stags go in 2023 : I have high hopes for the lads. Believe we can make a decent run in both cups and make finals for T20s also. With a fully fit and firing side I don’t see why we can’t contend for the League title

Favourite movie : Pirates of The Caribbean (Dead Man’s Chest)

Favourite song : Fix you – Coldplay

Life motto : Enjoy the little things

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Nickname : OJ (Oliver Jack Holt) Holty, OliHolt (all one word)

Squad no. 16, the enforcer

Batting Style : Aggressive, trying to work on my patience for fodder

Highest Score :104* for Newton Heath vs top of the league Worsley aged 20. 1/3 centuries

Favourite Shot : cow for 6

Bowling Style : Right arm dibbley dobbley

Biggest cricketing achievement : Travelling to South Africa at 18 to play a season.

How will the Stags go in 2023 : Well, new captain, new regime, potential in abundance

Favourite movie : Beauty and the Beast (animated)

Favourite song : Elvis Presley – In the Ghetto

Life motto : “Easy to love, hard to forget”

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Both Norden and Haslingden left Stag Park on Sunday thinking that the rain had denied them a good opportunity of registering a first win of the season. After being invited to bat first, half-centuries from Josh Tolley and Oli Holt helped Norden get up to what appeared to be a very competitive score of 186. The pitch was offering something for bowlers of all types, but sadly only 1.1 overs of Haslingden’s reply was possible before the rain came and ended what could have been a very good contest.

Norden had plenty of help from the Haslingden fielders, with numerous catches going to ground. Tolley was put down twice in the first over and he punished the visitors with a knock that contained five 4’s and four 6’s. Holt was also a beneficiary of an early drop, but after getting off the mark with a 6, he played some fine shots on his way to a second 1^st XI fifty for the club. There was the opportunity with 10 overs to go to push the score beyond 200, but the returning Oliver Cameron took 3 late wickets to add to his 2 with the new ball and, despite a good contribution from Scott Butterworth, the innings ended in the 49^th over. Most on the ground felt it was a good score, but the elements denied us the chance to find out. The 2 early washouts leave Norden already 14 points behind early leaders Burnley, with absolutely nothing they could have done about.
1^st XI Scorecard: https://norden.play-cricket.com/website/results/5593238
1^st XI Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1qT5wOSqhI

The 2nds got their season underway after last week’s abandonment, but were comprehensively beaten at Haslingden. Phil Docker lost an important toss, and The Stags were quickly in trouble with Spencer Allen being dismissed without a run on the board. Kabir Ahmed, Docker and Jozef Gordon got the score up to 80 for 3 but a couple of middle-order run-outs and some poor shots down the order meant it was just 110 that they were able to post. When the rain then came and reduced the target to just 69 in 21, it took any chance away and Haslingden got home 3 down with just over 7 overs remaining.
2^nd XI Scorecard: https://norden.play-cricket.com/website/results/5593238

The 3rds were involved in a remarkable game at Clitheroe on Saturday, which ended in a tie. Norden batted first in a match reduced to 31 overs per side and a good partnership between Jozef Gordon and Mo Iqbal had set a great platform when Iqbal was dismissed with the score at 84 for 2. Unfortunately, the middle and lower orders were unable to take advantage and nobody else could manage double figures as the visitors collapsed to 119 all out. Gordon’s knock of 64 from 71 balls was the clear standout. Clitheroe’s reply also included one significant knock, with Harrison Shipston making 60, but Norden’s bowlers kept picking up wickets at the other end and it all came down to the final over with the scores tied and just one wicket remaining for the home side. Joe Golden kept his cool and from the 3^rd ball, Shipston called for a single but was unable to make his ground and the game was tied.
3^rd XI Scorecard: https://norden.play-cricket.com/website/results/5616248

Nickname: Deano, Lordy, Jean

Squad no: 34

Batting Style: aggressive

Highest Score: 110*

Favourite Shot: straight drive

Bowling Style: right arm fast medium

Biggest cricketing achievement: bowling figures 9/50 in a 2nd XI match vs Werneth 2nd XI

How will the Stags go in 2023: Worsley Cup winners, top 4 in league but too hard to pick a position and T20 is anybody’s guess but as good a chance as any.

Favourite movie: The Green Mile

Favourite song: In The End – Linkin Park

Life motto: “Make your actions today be ones your future self will thank you for”

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It was with great sadness last week that we reported the passing of the much loved former President Brian Butterworth. After a short illness Brain passed away peacefully in the early hours of the 16^th of March at the age of 95

The funeral will take place at 10:30 on Wednesday the 5h of April at Rochdale Crematorium. The wake will take place afterwards at Norden Cricket Club.

Brian was a former player, club secretary and president, the latter of these posts he held for 30 years continuously. As President he was always present at any League presentations, Immaculately dressed in his blazer. He certainly was a fine ambassador of the club.

When we applied to join the Central Lancashire Cricket League Brian was prominent in the discussions and somehow we were accepted from Division 2 of the Lancashire and Cheshire League.

The joining of the CLL was the catalyst that enabled the Club to move on from a village club.

Brian was also at the forefront of any legal situations as he worked for Toomey and Goodwin, and was close friends with Bill Goodwin.

In the mid 2000’s upon the retirement of long serving stewardess Pauline North the position was filled by Alan Hyland. Brian and Alan forged an incredible close bond and Brian seemed to spend even more time at the club. In an effort to raise extra funds for the club the two started the weekly meat raffle. From small acorns… as the phrase goes. The raffle was hugely popular and raised a tremendous amount of money. All profits were ploughed back in to the Clubhouse fixtures and fittings.  Even when Alan had retired Brian religiously caught the bus to Norden every Friday evening to sell the tickets and collect the monies and took this role very seriously. The Meat Raffle lasted for 14 years and in total raised over £25k for the club.

In 2014 Brian’s amazing contribution to the club was recognised when he was nominated for an Outstanding Services to Cricket award, with the dinner being held at Old Trafford. Brian won the award and was invited down to the national finals in London. Whilst not coming away with the overall winners prize it was an amazing experience for Brian, as he was presented with his award by former England captain Mike Gatting.

Mike North recalls ;

“Brians cricketing claim to fame is bowling the Pro at Heywood but he did admit that this was in the nets (he played at Heywood before coming to Norden). In the 1940s and 50s there was a personality called Leslie Welch (The Memory Man) who toured the country with his sports memory show. He also appeared in 8 Royal Command Shows He came to Rochdale and starred at The Champness Hall and Brian and his mate (Jack Pilkington) went to see him. Jack said B have you got a question for him? Brian said I have but whether he will pick me out we don’t know. As luck would have it Brian was selected and his question was “Can you tell me Ranjitsinhji’s batting average in 1898? Leslie Welch waffled on about Ranji saying Saheb of Nawagana played at Sussex turn of the century etc. He then asked Brian if he knew it to which Brian said yes and gave it.  Leslie Welch said (“Well we only have your word for that” Brian said OK “What was it in 1899?” 

As Brian said “There are thousands and thousands of averages in cricket and to be able to pick one out would be virtually impossible!”

Brian himself had an amazing memory and he proved many times over the years by recalling various teams in cricket football and rugby league I went to see him last October with Alan Hyland and I mentioned to Brian could he still remember Manchester United’s Championship side of 1948? He said tell me the keeper and I’ll do it! I said Jack Crompton and he proceeded to give me the complete side! It was easier for him to give me the 1958 Brazil World Cup side!! All this at the age of 91. Brilliant 

Brian was also a good singer and he regaled a few of us many years ago with his rendition of Katari (A Neapolitan song) late at night from behind the Club bar.

As we all know he was on the Committee for many years as Secretary and once combined this with being Treasurer. However, to my knowledge he only missed one Committee meeting. This happened when he worked in Pensions for Turners in Manchester. We met up at teatime in the Circus Tavern (my Manchester local) The pub was a big card playing pub where considerable amounts of money were staked I asked Brian if he played Nine card don! He gave me a somewhat disdainful luck apparently affronted that I should ask him. We proceeded to play with Brian as my partner. Time went on and it became obvious that we were not going to make any meeting that night I rang to proffer our apologies ( Not sure what excuse I made ) Eventually at closing time we got a taxi back to Norden via Radcliffe as his assistant at Turners Tracy was with us!!

On another occasion after a meeting Brian gave me a lift home and I invited him in. We drank tea and ate cheese on toast and talked cricket non stop until I mentioned to Brian that it was getting light ! He said “Well I suppose I better #### off then 

On another occasion Brian came into the Club in a white tuxedo after a day’s golfing etc I asked if I could try it on and it fitted me perfectly I then asked if I could borrow it for a week as I was going on the QE2 

This I did and Brian would often say that although he hadn’t been on the QE2 but his tuxedo had and met the QE2’s Captain.”

Mike North

John Murphy recalls ;

“Brian very much enjoyed his life as a single person, in his younger days he would be seen around Rochdale driving his beloved yellow Jenson interceptor cutting a dashing figure dressed in his customary sartorial elegance that stayed with him throughout his life.

Norden Cricket Club and the game of Cricket were at the very core of his existence. He was a fast bowler in his younger days acquiring the nickname of ‘fiery Butt’. When his playing days were over Brian became an administrator serving on the committee as Club Secretary before being elected as President 1987.

It is difficult now to imagine the challenges facing the Club in the 1950s in acquiring a licence to serve alcohol due to the number of devout Methodist members of the Club at the time. Brian played a key role in the acquisition of the licence.

He was also instrumental in the Clubs progression into the Central Lancashire Cricket League and was very proud to become President in the year when the Club won the Championship for the first time.

Norden Cricket Club was always his first love although there was a very special lady in his life, Pauline who lived in Garstang and whilst they never married they remained very close until she sadly passed away in 2007.

Brian lived in the same house in Cutgate for most of his life, in his late 80s it became too much for him to manage, members of the Club moved him to Alice Ingham Court sheltered housing where he very much enjoyed his final days in comfort and surrounded by friends.

His lack of mobility in his latter years prevented him from attending games, he always remained interested in progress being made on and off the pitch at the Club.

I was immensely proud to succeed him as President in 2017 however in my mind he was and always will be the President.

Rest in Peace Brian your legacy will live on at Norden Cricket Club forever.”

John Murphy

Darren Lee Ogden, that was how he always announced himself whenever he phoned our house…..A fearless and talented opening batsman, even against the best and the quickest. Underated in many ways and should have played more 1st XI than he did. He possessed a‘Goweresque’ cover drive and was a brilliant fielder. In 1996 he was my vice captain. The ‘Ying’ to my ‘Yang’. The calm, pleasant and reasoned persona, the perfect counter-balance to my excitable belligerance and aggression. It was a joy to bat with him, quick between the wickets we simply stole singles. Brilliant with younger players, he was worth his weight in gold as a proper team man. Away from cricket ‘Oggie’ was one of those annoying sportsmen that was simply good at everything. Fit as a butchers dog……Snooker, Running, Football, Squash, Golf he loved them all and was always competitive. Which leads me to his other love….Horse Racing…..or should I say having a punt. When Castleton Moor dropped out of the CLL, the odd number of teams left some free weekends. Pontefract on a Friday night, Haydock, Ascot we did them all, but the 3 days of Cheltenham in the winter months (as it was) was always our favourite for many a long year. One year ‘Oggie’ had done all his money at the festival, and unsusually I’d accumulated a healthy stash. I was persuaded that it would be a good idea to visit Southwell on the way back. The writing was on the wall when a guy in the parade ring remarked ‘most of these will be on the beach at skegness giving kids rides next week’. Needless to say. I did all my money, and Oggie recovered all his Cheltenham losses. I can still hear him chuckling in the car all the way back from Nottinghamshire to Stag Park. He always was a much better punter than me! Many people will have their own fond memories of Darren, but I’m sure that all those who met him would agree that he truly was one of lifes good guys. Taken far to soon. He will be missed by many. RIP mate. Rob P Holmes – 11/3/2023

The funeral takes place Rochdale Crematorium on Wednesday 5th April at 3.00pm. Family flowers only please. Donations can be made to Springhill Hospice here : Funeral Notices – Darren Lee OGDEN (funeral-notices.co.uk). The wake is being held at Rochdale Golf Glub