A CRICKET stalwart who shared a record-breaking opening partnership has lost his battle with cancer.

Dave Cottam, 66, who was born in Sabden, was a member of Ribblesdale Wanderers Cricket Club all his life.

The father-of-two moved to Clitheroe and broke Ribblesdale’s club record with Australian test player Peter Sleep in 1991 by sharing a 294 stand, a record which still stands today.

After serving as captain from 1982 to 1984 and playing in the first team for many years, he moved to Pendle Forest before fully retiring.

His nephew Martin Briggs, who is Ribblesdale’s first team captain, said: “He was not only a fantastic cricketer but he was also a great person.

“He was so genuine and he gave it his all on the field.

“He always played hard and played fair and he was the kind of guy who left it all on the field and would happily have a pint after the game with everyone.

“He helped to inspire me to take up the sport and we will all miss him.”

Terry Braithwaite, who played alongside Dave, said: “Everyone at the club will miss him because he is a huge part of its recent history.

“It was great to play with him when we were both in the first team together and he was a wonder to watch.

“He was a strong batsman and he never flinched when he was hit by a fast ball.

“He never had a bad word to say about anybody and he was a pleasure to know.”

Dave is survived by his partner Mary, sons Paul and Mark and his two grandchildren Jack and Emily.