LOCAL historian and sports fan Roger Hindle has just released his third book which charts the history of Rawtenstall Cricket Club.

The club has been in existence for over 140 years and has played matches at their Bacup Road ground for 130 of them.

The book captures the clubs development from its earliest days through to the glory days of the 1950’s and 60’s when thousands would watch matches. Special attention is given to the historical league and cup double winning season in 1976

and consecutive championships in 1981 and 1982. Roger has been re-searching the history for the past two years and when asked why he had written the book said “There were a few reasons why I chose to write about the cricket club – having moved to the town

two years ago I was welcomed into the Rawtenstall community and quickly made new friends. I was also encouraged to become cricket club secretary by lifelong friend, Club Captain and Lancashire League legend Keith Roscoe. The club produced a centenary brochure

back in 1986 but quite a few achievements have been reached over the last thirty or so years. This year The Lancashire League celebrates 125 years so I felt that the timing was appropriate”.  

Many professionals from around the world have played for Rawtenstall throughout its history notably: Sydney Barnes, Vijay Hazare, George Tribe, Kenneth Grieves, Syed Abid Ali, Franklyn Stephenson, Colin Miller and Michael Bevan. The club

has also produced many fine amateurs some whom have played County Cricket including Alfred Pewtress, John Jordan, and Andrew Payne not forgetting Winston Place who also played 3 times for England.

The book highlights many games against local rivals Haslingden and Bacup in particular the 1922 Championship play- off game between Rawtenstall and Bacup. Both sides had finished on the same points at the top of the table. The league executive

decided that a play- off game for the Championship should take place. Who won? … well you will have to read the book to find out.

Roger went on “It was often a case of what to leave out as there was so much information and statistical data available” he said. “It’s not just a cricket book - I have incorporated poignant tales and stories that relate to the history

of the town as well as a few statistics for the keen aficionados. I enjoy doing the re-search and incorporating social history into my books.”

Rogers first two publications were; the history of Bacup Football Club and Football in Rossendale – the early years. Any ideas as to what your next writing venture will be? – “I’m mulling through a few ideas” said Roger, “whatever it is

it will be local and have a historical flavour to it”.

The launch of the book will take place over the weekend of 15th/16th/17th June where it will be on sale on Friday night at Rawtenstalls 20/20 game against Middleton and Sunday 17th June 1:30pm -4pm at Rawtenstalls game versus Todmorden.

The book will then be on general sale from Rawtenstall Cricket Club and direct from Roger (roger.hindle@ntlworld.com). The hardback book costs £20.