Accrington cricketer Alan Worsick has died aged 79

Alan Worsick died peacefully at the Royal Blackburn Hospital on Friday, March 17, after a short illness.

Alan was "man of the match" when he helped Accrington Cricket Club win the Telegraph Cup in 1986, as well as helping the club rise to victory in the Lancashire League title in 1975 and the Worsley Cup in 1970.

Alan was born in 1943 in Rawtenstall to Ann and Richard and lived on Spencer Street in Accrington. He attended Peel Park Primary School and Accrington Grammar School.

He was a dearly loved husband to Victoria, father to Nick and Alex, father-in-law to Claire and grandfather to Freddie.

Alan Worsick catches Todmorden professional Darryl Scott (Image: Lancashire Telegraph)

Alan started playing cricket at 16 and made his Lancashire League debut at 20, taking 138 wickets for the club over the next six seasons before joining Burnley for the 1969 season.

After taking 45 wickets for Burnley, Alan returned to Accrington as a different bowler.

Alan helped to make history in 1975 with Accrington winning the Lancashire League with a homegrown team.

The winning Accrington team in 1975 (Image: Lancashire Telegraph)

It was the first time in history that a team had won the Lancashire League title with every member of the team being born in the town.

Alan stood down as captain at the end of the 1984 season but continued to play in 1985 before helping Accrington to win the Telegraph Cup in 1986 against Todmorden.

Alan retired after a final match against Nelson in 1987.

He continued to support the club serving as President from 1988 until 1994 following his retirement.

A spokesperson for the club said: “It is with great sadness that the club has to announce that one of Accrington's finest ever cricketers, Alan Worsick, has passed away at the age of 79.

“Our thoughts are with Alan’s family at this sad time.”

Alan’s funeral service took place on Friday, March 31, at Accrington Crematorium before a wake was held at his beloved Accrington Cricket Club.