Double cricket star Frank Taylor, dies in Burnley home (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Double cricket star Frank Taylor, dies in Burnley home

3:00pm Thursday 2nd February 2012 in Burnley By Chris Gee, Reporter

TRIBUTES have been paid to highly-respected cricketer Frank Taylor, the only person in the Lancashire League's history to win the title and the Worsley Cup double with two different teams.

Mr Taylor, 83, who achieved the feat for both Nelson and Colne, died peacefully at Bank Top Nursing Home, Burnley, last Thursday.

He leaves wife Pat and a son, Paul.

A bowling all-rounder, he claimed 455 wickets in his career and made more than 6,500 runs.

Agile in the field, Mr Taylor also took 154 catches He played for Colne between 1951 and 1962, lifting the Lancashire League and Worsley Cup double in 1959.

In 1963, he made the short trip from the Horsfield to Seedhill and he played for Nelson until he retired.

They won the title in 1965, 1967 and 1969 – and Taylor had the distinction of claiming another double in 1965.

After he retired from playing, Mr Taylor became team manager and coach at Nelson and guided a host of youngsters from the junior ranks and into the first team.

Ian Clarkson was captain of Nelson’s 1986 title-winning side.

He said: “Frank’s knowledge of Cricket was unparalleled and he gave advice about all aspects of the game.

“He was hugely respected throughout the league and as manager he was a key part of our success.

“He always had time to help young players. He could just look out at a wicket and know exactly how it would play.”

Chairman of Colne Cricket Club Trevor Lonsdale said: “Frank was a great player and a great fellow. He performed for the club with distinction and was involved in Lancashire League cricket for decades.”

His funeral took place yesterday at Burnley Crematorium.