ROY Marland, a much-travelled and highly-regarded all-rounder on the local cricket scene, has died at the age of 65 following a short illness.
A medium-quick bowler and hard-hitting left-hand batsman, Marland played as an amateur and professional in both the Bolton Association and Bolton League spanning four decades.
He started his playing days with Association side Little Hulton in the 1960s and went on to have spells with League clubs Walkden, Little Lever and Kearsley, where he was the first winner of the Bolton League’s amateur player-of-the-year award in 1975, before returning to the Association where he had spells as pro at Astley and Tyldesley and British Aerospace.
One of the true characters of the game, he later had two seasons as professional at Heaton before ending his playing days at League neighbours Astley Bridge.
In recent years, Marland, who lived in Smithills, worked with the juniors at Heaton where he enthusiastically passed on his experience and knowledge to up-and-coming cricketers.
A widower, he leaves a son, John, and daughter, Lisa.
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