CRICKET fans are mourning a respected umpire who has died of cancer at the age of 64.

Phil Entwistle, who officiated latterly in the Lancashire League, died at Pendleside Hospice. He had fought lung cancer for 16 months.

Mr Entwistle, who lived in Weatherhill Crescent, Brierfield, was born and bred in Bacup and retained a strong affinity with the town and the Lanehead club.

In his playing years he was a forceful opening batsman.

He played for Pendle Forest in the Craven League before retaining his links to the game by taking up umpiring. In that role, he graduated to stand in the middle in the Lancashire League from the Ribblesdale League.

Mr Entwistle was also an uncle of Andy Hakin, this season’s first team 20/20 captain at Colne Cricket Club.

Lancashire League chairman Mike Bibby paid tribute to Mr Entwistle’s contribution to the league and to cricket in East Lancashire.

Mr Bibby said: “He was involved about five or six years with us as an umpire and he was a good umpire.

“Before that he was a good, competent amateur batsman with an affinity for Bacup.

“I played against him once for Barrowford versus Pendle Forest in the Craven League.

“He always enjoyed his cricket and sport in general. He was always willing to give advice too.

“Some people keep very quiet but he was always willing to have a say, in a constructive way.”

Mr Hakin said his uncle was a supporter of Manchester City who who was devoted to cricket and football.

He said Mr Entwistle would watch him action whenever his umpiring duties or interest in Manchester City’s fortunes allowed.

Mr Hakin played alongside his uncle at Pendle Forest in the Craven League before Mr Hakin moved to test his skills at a higher level in the Lancashire League.

Neal Wilkinson, chairman of Bacup Cricket Club, also spoke warmly of Mr Entwistle, who he knew in his final years.

Mr Wilkinson said: “I knew him only as an umpire. He was a lovely bloke who officiated at this club. He would always come in and have a drink.”

Gary Hunt, chairman of Colne Cricket Club, said of Mr Entwistle: “A brilliant bloke, passionate about sport and cricket in particular. he will be missed by all at Colne.”