A RECORD-BREAKING cricketer, described as a “true legend” of the Lancashire League, has died.

Former Burnley Cricket Club captain Roland Harrison passed away on Tuesday after a battle with cancer, at the age of 73.

Opening batsman Mr Harrison, who lived in Cop Royd Terrace, Cliviger, played around 500 games for the club.

He scored more runs in the Lancashire League than any other Burnley player, hitting 10,606 runs including two centuries and 59 half centuries from 498 innings in the league.

He also scored 1,120 in the Worsley Cup.

The “fearless and inspirational” captain led the club league titles in 1970, 1978 and 1979 and to Worsley Cup success in 1975 and 1984.

In 350 of those matches he was captain, having taken over from Derek Riley in 1968.

In 1975 he broke the club record for most runs from an amateur in a season, holding the record for 20 years.

He also captained the Lancashire League representative side and played for Lancashire seconds, winning the minor counties championship in 1969.

Burnley chairman Michael Brown said: “Roland was a true club legend. He will long be in the memories of many supporters and players of Burnley Cricket Club and on behalf of the club I would like to offer our deepest sympathies to his family.”

Mr Harrison, a widower who worked at Lucas and Prestige in Burnley, leaves a son and a daughter.

Former team-mates were quick to praise Mr Harrison’s qualities as a player and person.

Trevor Pickup, 64, said: “He was a tough leader and completely fearless as a batsmen.

“He had an enormous will to win and expected the rest of the team to have the same.

“That’s why we were so successful.

“I remember us playing Rishton when the West Indian Michael Holding was opening the bowling for them.

“Even though he was the fastest bowler in the world Roland wouldn’t wear a helmet.

“He also a had a great sense of humour, was very loyal and was a giant figure in the history of the club.”

“He was a giant figure in the history of the club and the league.

A minute’s applause will be held in his memory at the Worsley Cup Final when his former team take on Haslingden on Sunday.