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